PIKE COUNTY:Where People, Land andWater Meet

A Citizen’sGuide to

Clean Water

CLEAN WATER • SAFE HOMESA HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

Pike County: Where People, Landand Water Meet

A Citizen’s Guide to Clean Water

Project Coordinator:Pike County Conservation District

Project Partners:Bushkill Watershed ConservancyDelaware Highlands ConservancyDelaware Township Supervisors

Twin and Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy

Funded by:The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania CitizenEducation Fund through a Section 319 Federal CleanWater Act grant of the US Environmental ProtectionAgency administered by the PA Department of Envi-ronmental Protection. Additional funding provided bythe Delaware Highlands Conservancy.

Protecting drinking water and water testing • Maintaining on-lot sewage treatment systems • Agency contact informationfor environmental problems & emergencies • Identifying andprotecting wetlands on your property and much more.

Dedicated to the Children of our Communities

They deserve a future that includesclear-flowing streams and rivers,

clean and abundant drinking water supplies,healthy lakes for recreation and aesthetic values,

and ecologically rich wetlandswith all the attendant benefits they offer.

It is our responsibility, as good stewards of PikeCounty’s water resources, to provide a future

that offers all these things.

The people have a right to clean air, pure water, andto the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and

esthetic values of the environment.

Pennsylvania ConstitutionSection 27, Article 1

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Your Opinion Counts.We Want to Hear from You!

Let us know what you think of this reference guide forPike County residents. Take a minute to call, write, orsend us an email message (contact information listed be-low). Your feedback will help us to improve this publica-tion for future editions.

Pike County Conservation DistrictHC 8 Box 6770 • Hawley, PA 18428

Phone: 570-226-8220Fax: 570-226-8222

Email: pikecd@pikepa.orgWebsite: www.pikeconservation.org

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Table of ContentsPreface .............................................................................................vi

Foreword ....................................................................................... vii

1. Watersheds .................................................................................. 1Connecting People, Land and Water

by John Jose

2. Non-point Source Pollution ........................................................ 8Living on the Landscape and How We Affect Our Shared Water Resources

by John Jose

3. On-lot Sewage Treatment System Maintenance ......................... 16The Homeowner’s Guide to Wastewater Management

by John Jose

4. Stormwater Management .......................................................... 25The Rundown on Stormwater Runoff

by John Jose

5. Erosion and Sedimentation ....................................................... 33Soil + Water = Pollution!

by John Jose

6. Groundwater ............................................................................. 38Protecting Pike County’s Water Supply

by John Jose

7. Wetlands Conservation .............................................................. 49Mucking Through the Myths

by Ellen Salak and Susan Beecher

8. Pond and Lake Ecology and Management ................................ 56Protecting Community Water Resources

by John Jose

9. Streams and Rivers .................................................................... 65Where People, Land and Water Meet

by Susan Beecher

10. Environmental Laws and Regulations ..................................... 73Playing by the Rules to Protect Pike County’s Water Resources

by Will Whitehead and Susan Beecher

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11. Smart Growth .......................................................................... 82Strategies for Creating Viable, Environmentally Sustainable Communities

by Susan Beecher

12. Citizen Action ......................................................................... 90Getting Involved and Making it Happen in Your Community

by John Jose

Appendices .................................................................................... 97A. Watershed Organizations in Pike County:

Information and Volunteer Opportunities

B. Pike County Municipalities:Contact Information and Public Meeting Schedules

C. Water Conservation at Home

D. Resource Conservation Organizations in Pike County:Information and Volunteer Opportunities

E. Water Testing

F. Source Water Protection for Community Water Supply Wells

G. Environmental Problems, Complaints and Emergencies:Agency Contact Information

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Preface

This reference guide is for any part or full-time resident who isinterested in learning more about what they can do to contribute to theprotection of Pike County’s streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and groundwa-ter resources. Emphasized throughout are good stewardship practices thatresidents can adopt as well as how these practices safeguard not only envi-ronmental health, but also personal property, economic investment andfamily well-being.

Each chapter closes with a Summary, a list of Action Steps as wellas Resources for More Information. The Introduction, along with Chap-ters 1 and 2, covers what is unique and what is at stake with a focus on theCounty’s high quality water resources. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 cover three ofthe primary sources of water pollution in Pike County: On-lot sewage treat-ment systems, stormwater runoff and soil erosion. Options for homeownersand community associations are outlined.

Chapters 6, 7, 8 and 9 provide detailed information on groundwa-ter and wetlands protection, pond and lake management and stream andriver conservation. Last, but by no means least, are Chapters 10, 11 and 12on environmental regulations, smart growth strategies and how citizens canget involved in their communities.

The Appendices include, agency contact information for environ-mental complaints, problems and emergencies; meeting schedules and con-tact information for Pike Country’s thirteen municipalities; suggestions forhome water testing; volunteer opportunities with local environmental or-ganizations, including local watershed groups; water saving measures forthe homeowner; and developing protection plans for community water sup-ply wells.

We hope you find the information in this publication to be usefulin answering any questions you have as well as in providing new ideas forprotecting the water resources of Pike County. For more information, visitthe Conservation District’s Natural Resource Learning Site atwww.pikeconservation.org, or contact us via email: pikecd@pikepa.org orby telephone at 570-226-8220.

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Foreword

This publication is aptly named “Pike County: Where People, Landand Water Meet.” The land and the water have always been here and we arestill blessed with exceptional natural resources today. But the equation israpidly changing. The people factor is growing dramatically.

During the 150 years from 1820 to 1970, Pike County’s popula-tion never exceeded 10,000 people. However, by 2000 that number hadreached 46,000 and predictions are that at “build-out,” our population couldreach or even exceed 150,000. That’s at least three times as many people aswe are today.

Being people, and living modern day lifestyles, we inevitably affectthe land and the water. We cannot totally avoid that. Yet we must realizethat the land and the water can only withstand a finite degree of “peopleimpact” before they can no longer sustain us. They need our help.

This publication is designed, first, to help Pike County residentsbetter understand how we as individuals, and collectively in our communi-ties, affect the land and the water. Secondly – and very importantly – it alsoaddresses what we can do to lessen the impacts we have.

We can make all the difference. Most of the things we can do arepretty simple and straightforward. All it takes is a little knowledge and thewill to do our part.

Get involved – as an individual and as a member of your com-munity. Do the things around your home that will contribute to the con-servation of the land and the water. Then, encourage and support yourmunicipal leaders in putting adequate planning and ordinances in place.These are key to our future.

We can save at least some part of the rural, scenic, historic, naturalresource-rich atmosphere we all enjoy living in, while accommodating thegrowth in population that is now upon us and will continue. It’s up to us.

Roy BorgfeldBoard ChairmanPike County Conservation District

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1. WatershedsConnecting People, Land and Waterby John Jose, Watershed Specialist, Pike County Conservation District

“When the land does well for its owner,and the owner does well by his land –when both end up better by reason of their partnership –then we have conservation.”

~ Aldo Leopold

All lands covering the Earth’s surface are divided into watersheds.At any given time a person will find his or herself in the watershed wherethey live or as a visitor in a water-shed that other people call home.

A watershed can be com-pared to a large basin that capturesall the precipitation (rain, snow, etc.) that falls within its boundary. A wa-tershed boundary is formed by highpoints in the landscape, where an un-broken, continuous ridgeline creates a divide between adjacent basins. Eachwatershed has its own uniqueness based on climate, differences in topogra-phy (flat vs. rolling hills or mountainous), the types of plants and soilsfound there and, very importantly, both past and present land use activi-ties that have taken place. Examples of land use activities include commer-cial, industrial and residential development, farming, mining, logging, andrecreational activities.

Watersheds vary greatly in shape and size from the greater AtlanticBasin that extends from the Continental Divide to the east coast of theU.S., down to a smaller sub-watershed – or watershed within a watershed– of less than an acre draining into a local backyard pond. Pike Countywatersheds are part of the larger Delaware River Basin that drains portionsof New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The County’s eighteen majorwatersheds range in size from the Lackawaxen River Watershed that en-compasses nearly 600 square miles, occupying portions of two neighboringcounties, to the Vandermark Creek Watershed that lies entirely withinCounty boundaries and occupies less than 6 square miles of drainage area.

The precipitation that a watershed receives flows naturally from theupper, higher elevation areas downward through its drainage system – anetwork of interconnected streams, ponds, wetlands and subsurface ground-water flows – eventually reaching a common outlet. Sometimes referred to

All lands covering the Earth’s surfaceare divided into watersheds.

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as the “receiving body of water,”the common outlet serves as thepotential destination for any wa-ter moving through a watershed’sdrainage system. The health of the common outlet reflects both the condi-tion of a watershed as well as the overall health of a basin’s water resources.

Pike County Major WatershedsA watershed typically gets its namesake from its common outlet. Listedbelow are the eighteen major watersheds of Pike County.

1. Bushkill Creek 10. Vandermark Creek2. Saw Creek 11. Cummins Creek3. Little Bushkill Creek 12. Bush Kill (Millrift) Creek4. Toms Creek 13. Little Walker/Twin Lake Creek5. Hornbecks Creek 14. Shohola Creek6. Dingmans Creek 15. Lackawaxen River7. Adams Creek 16. Masthope Creek8. Raymondskill Creek 17. Wallenpaupack Creek9. Sawkill Creek 18. East Branch Wallenpaupack Creek

Special Protection WatershedsAll of Pike County’s major watersheds have been granted Special

Protection status by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). The streams that drain these watersheds are PA DEP classified aseither High Quality (HQ) or Exceptional Value (EV) water resourcesaffording them additional protection from potential adverse impacts from

Watershed illustration showing common out-let, boundary and drainage network of

streams, wetlands, lakes and subsur-face groundwater flows.

Watershed Boundary

Common Outlet2001© by Katharine Dodge

The health of the common outlet re-flects the overall health of a water-shed.

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All Pike County watersheds drain to theDelaware River

land use activities – including resi-dential and commercial develop-ment – through state environmen-tal regulatory programs.

What does this mean toPike County residents? Overall,residents enjoy good quality andgenerally abundant groundwaterfor drinking water supplies; healthycoldwater streams supporting di-verse aquatic life; biologically richwetlands that also provide for wa-ter filtration, groundwater recharge, and stormwater and flood control; andlakes offering recreational and aesthetic value among many other benefits.

The looming question is whether or not these water resources willbe maintained in their current state in the face of the County’s very signifi-cant and increasing land development pressures. Simply having Special Pro-tection status does not guarantee the County’s Exceptional Value and HighQuality water resources will remain High Quality and Exceptional Value.However, managing these water resources on a watershed basis could pro-vide officials and residents with an excellent framework from which to pro-tect these water resources.

Watershed ManagementManaging water resources on a watershed-basis provides a logical

and highly effective framework for both surface and groundwater protec-tion. Why? Because watersheds are natural systems that link the land andwater resources and the living organisms, including people, within theirboundaries.

Neither the water flowing through a stream nor the groundwatermoving beneath the surface recognizes the political (municipal, county orstate) boundaries drawn on a watershed. This makes cooperation betweenresidents, community associations and neighboring governments, that sharethe water resources of a watershed, essential.

Intermunicipal cooperation is particularly important in Pennsylva-nia where decisions on land use and protection of natural resources, madein local townships and boroughs, in large part determine the future of com-munities. Neighboring municipalities, whose political boundaries fall partlyor completely within the same watershed, can benefit residents by workingtogether to manage natural resources and taking a more holistic, long-term

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approach to stormwater management and flood control, groundwater pro-tection and stream conservation, to mention a few of many advantages.

Do You Know Your Watershed Address?Where does the water that rains on your home and the surrounding

landscape go? After it leaves your lawn, street or driveway where is it headed?Does it flow downhill straight to a nearby stream or lake or wander intowetlands?

Whether it’s a pond, stream or lake, that destination determinesyour watershed address. Just likethere are towns, within countieswithin states, in a natural water-shed system there are sub-water-sheds within watersheds withindrainage basins. A watershed ad-dress provides a natural reference point that orients residents to the water-shed they reside in.

For example, the rain that falls on your driveway might flow intoMcConnell Pond, which flows into McConnell Creek, which flows intoShohola Creek, which flows into the Delaware River. So your watershedaddress would be: McConnell Pond, McConnell Creek, Shohola Creek,Delaware River even though your mail finds you through Hemlock Farms,Blooming Grove, PA.

Watershed StewardshipAs important as it is for landowners living next to a stream, pond or

wetland to practice good water resource stewardship, it is just as importantfor the residents of the entire watershed to make their contribution. Al-though a resident may not feel that their individual efforts are significant,the collective efforts of all watershed residents can make a difference. Amongthe many options discussed throughout this book, good backyard steward-ship practices include the following:

• Controlling non-point source pollution (Chapter 2)• Maintaining on-lot sewage disposal systems (Chapter 3)• Managing stormwater runoff (Chapter 4)• Preventing groundwater contamination (Chapter 6)• Maintaining streamside vegetation (Chapter 9)

Pike County Watershed OrganizationsAlthough watershed groups vary as much as the watersheds they

Watersheds are natural systems thatlink the land and water resourcesand the living organisms, includingpeople, within their boundaries.

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advocate for, they all share one common goal: Conservation of the naturalresources, particularly the surface and groundwater resources, of the water-shed they represent. As this publication goes to press, there are four activewatershed groups in Pike County:

• Bushkill Watershed Conservancy• The Lackawaxen River Conservancy• Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District• Twin and Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy

These organizations assume many roles and responsibilities including:• Promoting awareness of the importance and uniqueness of the water

resources of their watershed and the need for good stewardship prac-tices.

• Working cooperatively with municipal officials in land use planningefforts that incorporate smart growth strategies and conservation ofcommunity natural resources.

• Obtaining financial and technical resources to address problems af-fecting water quality of lakes and streams, including stream restora-tion efforts and controlling stormwater runoff.

• Providing a voice for the concerns of citizens, bridging the gap be-tween residents, community associations and local, state and federalgovernments.

• Providing educational opportunities for a wide variety of audiences.• Monitoring the water qual-ity of streams, rivers and lakes.

Citizen-based watershedgroups provide an invaluable ser-vice to watershed residents – bothcurrent and future – by working forthe protection of the water re-sources so critical to the health ofresidents, the regional economy andthe environment. To remain a vital and effective voice for the concerns ofresidents, watershed organizations need local support.

Contact information for Pike County’s four active watershed organi-zations is listed below. For more detailed information, including what cur-rent resource conservation initiatives they are undertaking and volunteeropportunities they offer, refer to Appendix A, “Watershed Organizations inPike County: Information and Volunteer Opportunities.”

Citizen-based watershed groupsprovide an invaluable service towatershed residents by working forthe protection of the naturalresources so critical to the health ofresidents, the regional economy andthe environment.

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Bushkill Watershed ConservancyP.O. Box 193 • Bushkill, PA 18324Telephone: 570-226-8220 (Pike County Conservation District)Email: pikecd@pikepa.orgWeb site: www.bushkillwatershed.org/index.htm

Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management DistrictP.O. Box 143 • Hawley, PA 18428Telephone: 570-226-3865Email: lwwmd@ptd.netWeb site: www.wallenpaupackwatershed.org

The Lackawaxen River ConservancyP.O. Box 176 • Rowland, PA 18457Email: TLRC@ltis.netWeb site: www.lackawaxenriver.org

Twin and Walker Creeks Watershed ConservancyPeter Wulfhorst, President100 Walker Lake Road • Shohola, PA 18458Telephone: 570-296-3400Email: Ptw3@psu.eduWeb site: www.twcwc.com

SummaryWatersheds are natural systems linking land, people and water. What

happens on the land can affect both surface and groundwater resources andin turn, the residents of a watershed.

All of Pike County’s major watersheds have been designated Spe-cial Protection watersheds by the PA DEP. The streams of these watershedsare all classified as High Quality (HQ) or Exceptional Value (EV).

However, Special Protection, HQ or EV status cannot guaranteethe County’s water resources will remain in their high quality state as landdevelopment pressures continue to increase. A commitment that includescooperative efforts on the part of residents, local officials, communities,resource conservation organizations and the business sector is needed. Resi-dents can start right at home by learning their watershed address and whatthey can do in their own backyard.

Managing natural resources on a watershed basis provides an effec-tive framework for water resource protection. Because the water flowingthrough a stream or beneath the surface as groundwater does not recognize

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political (state, county, municipal, etc.) boundaries, cooperation – particu-larly among neighboring municipalities – is critical.

Citizens-based watershed organizations provide an invaluable ser-vice to watersheds residents, both current and future, by working towardthe protection of the water resources so important to the health of resi-dents, the regional economy and the environment. To remain a vital andeffective voice, Pike County’s watershed organizations need the support oflocal residents. Residents can contact the watershed organization represent-ing their watershed to find out what volunteer opportunities exist and howthey can lend their support.

Action Steps for Watershed Conservation� Join and support a local watershed organization(Appendix A).

� Learn your watershed address and what you can do inyour own backyard to protect the watershed you live in.

� Support local municipal officials (Appendix B) in theirefforts to work with neighboring municipalities in water-shed-based natural resource management.

Resources for More InformationBushkill Watershed Conservancy: www.bushkillwatershed.org/

Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District:www.wallenpaupackwatershed.org

PA DEP: www.dep.state.pa.us/info.htm, select “Watershed Management.”

Pennsylvania Organization of Watersheds and Rivers:www.pawatersheds.org/

Pike County Conservation District: www.pikeconservation.org. Select“Water.” Includes links to Pike County watershed group web sites anddigital watershed maps.

The Lackawaxen River Conservancy: www.lackawaxenriver.org/

Twin and Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy: www.twcwc.com/index.htm

US EPA, Watershed Academy Web. On-line training in watershedmanagement: www.epa.gov/watertrain/.

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Non-point source pollution nowaccounts for over 75% ofPennsylvania’s total water pollu-tion problem.

2. Non-point Source PollutionLiving on the Landscape andHow We Affect Our Shared Water Resourcesby John Jose, Watershed Specialist, Pike County Conservation District

“Water is the most critical resource issueof our lifetime and our children’s lifetime.The health of our water is the principlemeasure of how we live on the land.”

~Luna Leopold

For many people, the term“water pollution” conjures up animage of a river with litter-strewnbanks and chemical pollutants dis-coloring the river. A walk alongour imagined river’s edge may reveal a source of pollution such as a dis-charge pipe from an industrial manufacturing facility releasing chemicalwastes.

Scientists interested in cleaning up and restoring this river wouldclassify the discharge pipe as a point source of pollution. In the case of apoint source of pollution a person can literally point to and readily identifythe origin of a pollution problem, which, in the case of our river, would bethe discharge pipe releasing chemical wastes.

Since the inception of the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972, muchprogress has been made in reducing the impacts of point sources of pollu-tion. Today, many formerly severely contaminated rivers and lakes in theU.S. have recovered significantly due to clean-up efforts that included elimi-nation or better control over point sources of pollution.

Discharges from stormwater and sediment control basins and sew-age treatment plants to streams, lakes and wetlands are examples of pointsources of pollution found in Pike County. While environmental regula-tions exist to minimize their impact, these sources of pollution still presenta potential source of water degradation to the County’s state-designatedHigh Quality and Exceptional Value water resources.

Non-point Source PollutionIn recent years, efforts at maintaining and restoring water quality

have increasingly focused on another type of pollution known as non-point

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source pollution, which, accord-ing to a 1998 PA Department ofEnvironmental Protection (PADEP) report, now accounts forover 75% of Pennsylvania’s totalwater pollution problem. In addi-tion, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that non-pointsource pollution is now the single largest cause of degradation of our nation’swater resources.

Non-point source pollution demonstrates the direct connection that ex-ists between human activities on the land and how we affect our shared waterresources. Originating from many diverse, scattered sources across our wa-tersheds, non-point source pollution is often a less obvious source of waterdegradation. While the cumulative effects can pose a challenge to main-taining Pike County’s surface and groundwater resources, the good news is,there are many measures that residents, communities and municipal offi-cials can take to help control this pollution problem.

Listed below are examples of locally occurring sources of non-pointsource pollution and steps that can be taken to lessen or prevent their im-pacts.

Stormwater RunoffStormwater runoff – created when rain or snowmelt accumulates

and runs across the surface of the land – occurs naturally in undevelopedwatersheds. However, increasing land development, particularly where landuse regulations and planning for stormwater management are inadequateor lacking altogether, creates increasing volumes of stormwater impactingPike County’s natural resources, residents and communities.

Stormwater moving across the human-built landscape picks up andtransports non-point source pollutants including soil sediment, fluids leakedfrom automobiles, road de-icing agents, lawn and garden chemicals, petand livestock waste, and debris. As a consequence residents, communityassociations and municipalities must cope with pollution of surface watersand in some cases contaminated community drinking water supplies.

The most effective strategy for managing stormwater is to preventit from being created in the first place. Options in stormwater managementexist for residents, community associations and municipalities. See Chapter4, “Stormwater Management,” for more information.

Non-point source pollution demon-strates the direct connection thatexists between human activities onthe land and how we affect ourshared water resources.

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The most important aspect of on-lot sewage treatment system main-tenance and care is pumping a sep-tic tank frequently enough to pre-vent system failure.

Erosion and SedimentationErosion and sedimentation – the wearing down of soil layers and

the movement of soil particles from one place to another – are naturallyoccurring processes. However, rates of erosion and sedimentation increasein Pike County’s developing watersheds as land development activities, par-ticularly residential and commercial development, expose bare soil to theerosive forces of stormwater runoff.

Soil sediment in stormwater is frequently carried and deposited in anearby stream, river, pond, lake or wetland. The impacts of sediment pollu-tion to these surface waters include loss of fish and other aquatic life andaccelerated rates of aquatic plant growth. Excess soil sediments also pollutepublic water supplies increasing treatment costs.

Developing and following an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan(E&S Plan) – a requirement for both small-scale and large-scale land devel-opment projects in Pike County’s Special Protection watersheds – is a highlyeffective way to minimize soil erosion from land development sites. Formore information on developing an E&S Plan, and controlling erosion andsedimentation pollution, refer to Chapter 5.

On-lot Sewage Treatment SystemsIn Pike County, as throughout much of rural Pennsylvania, waste-

water produced by households is typically treated and disposed of by on-lotsewage treatment systems. In ef-fect, each homeowner has his orher own small-scale sewage treat-ment plant on site and it is thehomeowner’s responsibility to en-sure the proper use and function-ing of their system.

When properly used and maintained, on-lot systems can provideyears of treatment of household wastewater and act as a safeguard for bothenvironmental and human health. However, poor maintenance and im-proper use increase the risk of an on-lot system malfunctioning or evenfailing entirely, increasing the risk of contamination of community ground-water supplies.

The most important aspect of on-lot sewage treatment system main-tenance and care is pumping a septic tank frequently enough to preventsystem failure. On-lot systems, including their maintenance and proper use,are covered in more detail in Chapter 3.

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One gallon of used motor oil cancontaminate up to two million gal-lons of water!

Lawn and Garden ChemicalsLawns and garden chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides (weed

killers) and fertilizers, are all potential non-point source pollutants that cancontaminate both surface and groundwater. While the amount of lawn andgarden chemicals applied to a single lawn or garden may seem insignificant,the cumulative impacts within a watershed can raise concerns. There areseveral options available to residents and communities to reduce or elimi-nate the need for lawn and garden chemicals including the following:

• Have lawn and garden soils tested before applying fertilizers. Theresults of an inexpensive and simple soil test, available from yourlocal Penn State Cooperative Extension Office, will provide the lev-els of soil nutrients present in a lawn or garden and the properamounts of fertilizer needed, reducing the risk for pollution of sur-face and groundwater through over-application.

• Apply pesticides or herbicides according to label directions to avoidpersonal health hazard and over-application.

• Dispose of pesticides trough the PA Deptarment of Agriculture’sChemsweep Program. See resources for more information at theend of the chapter.

• Adopt IPM (Integrated Pest Management) strategies designed tominimize or eliminate the need for chemical applications to lawnsand gardens.

• Learn organic gardening techniques including the use of “bio con-trols” that are generally less toxic and degrade more quickly causingless environmental impact.

For more information on IPM and organic gardening, refer to Re-sources for More Information at the end of this chapter. In addition to pro-viding many other benefits, a buffer of trees and shrubs (Chapter 9) main-tained along streams, ponds or wetlands, can intercept and greatly reducethe amount of fertilizers and other non-point source pollutants that wouldotherwise enter these surface waters in stormwater runoff from yard areas.

Automobile FluidsFor do-it-yourselfers who change their own automobile fluids, in-

cluding motor oil, proper disposalpractices should be followed. Onegallon of used motor oil poured onthe ground, down a household

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When used or disposed of improperly,household hazardous wastes, includingpaint products, lawn and garden chemi-cals, and auto fluids can pollute surfaceand groundwater

drain, stormwater drain or an abandoned well can contaminate up to 2million gallons of water! Automobile parts stores or service centers oftenaccept used motor oil for recycling. Also, care should be exercised in storingand pouring gasoline to avoid spills. MTBE, a chemical constituent of gaso-line, has been detected in water supply wells in Pike County.

While the fluids leaking from an individual car may not seem signifi-cant, thousands of cars within awatershed can create problems.Toxic automobile fluids, includinggasoline, motor oil, grease and an-tifreeze that leak onto parking lots,roads and driveways are picked upin stormwater runoff and carried tolakes, streams or wetlands. When-ever feasible, repair leaks.

Household Hazardous WastesIn addition to lawn and

garden chemicals and automobilefluids discussed above, other ex-amples of household hazardouswastes (HHW) include paints and paint products, drain cleaners, commer-cial household cleaning products and old batteries. HHW are hazardous(corrosive, flammable, toxic, etc.) by nature, but because households pro-duce them in relatively limited quantities, they are not regulated under fed-eral or Pennsylvania state laws. According to the PA DEP, each person inPennsylvania generates an average of four pounds of HHW each year that, ifcarelessly managed, can create an environmental and public health hazard.

The following are PA DEP guidelines for managing HHW:1. The best way to manage HHW is to avoid creating it in

the first place. Start by selecting the least toxic productto do the job and then use only as much as is needed.

2. After using a product, give the remainder away to a friend,neighbor, or community group that can use it.

3. If the product isn’t usable, or you can’t give it away, takeit to a community HHW collection program.

4. If your community doesn’t have a HHW collectionprogram you may put it in your regular trash, provided:

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The most effective option for man-aging non-point source pollution isto prevent it from occurring in thefirst place.

a. You have complied with any disposal instructionson the label.

b. There are no freestanding liquids. If water-based,allow the liquid to evaporate. If not water-based,absorb the liquid with vermiculite, cat litter, sawdust or other absorbent material.

c. You have carefully packaged any residue toprevent leakage while the material is beingtransported to a disposal facility.

d. You have only a small quantity. Divide largerquantities and dispose of them over severalcollections.

Small-scale Livestock OperationsState regulations require large-scale livestock operations to follow

Nutrient Management Guidelines, including establishing practices to mini-mize contamination of surface or groundwater caused by nutrients, such asnitrates, and disease-causing microorganisms, such as bacteria, originatingfrom animal waste. Although small-scale livestock operations are often ex-empt from state regulations, residents and businesses that include even alimited number of horses, llamas, goats, sheep, cows or other livestock shouldconsider voluntary efforts to manage and contain animal waste to reducethe potential for water pollution and to minimize the threat to human health.

Options to minimize pollution problems created by small-scale live-stock operations include:

• Avoiding stockpiling of manure next to streams and other surfacewaters.

• Maintaining a vegetative buffer along streams adjacent to livestockareas to help minimize nutrient runoff.

• Directing soil and waste laden runoff away from surface waters andwater supply wells.

Owners of small-scale livestockoperations can contact the PikeCounty Conservation District formore information on managinganimal waste.

SummaryControlling non-point source pollution presents many challenges.

For instance, the presence of fecal coliform bacteria in a water supply well

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The actions of each individual, fam-ily and community, doing their partto reduce non-point source pollu-tion, can add up to significant pro-tection and improvement of localwater resources for both currentand future needs.

may render community drinking water unsafe to consume. The questionthen becomes, ‘what is the source of the bacteria?’

Fecal coliform bacteria can originate from a variety of sources in-cluding on-lot sewage disposal sys-tems, small-scale livestock opera-tions and pet wastes. This is thedilemma of non-point source pol-lution: although a pollution prob-lem may exist, it is often difficultto identfy a particluar source as theculprit. And removing non-pointsource pollutants from surface andgroundwater can be as difficult as identifying the source.

Ultimately, the most effective option for managing non-point sourcepollution is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. The actions ofeach individual, family and community, doing their part, can add up tosignificant protection and improvement of local water resources for bothcurrent and future needs.

Action Steps for Controlling Non-point Source Pollution� Limit use and properly dispose of household hazardous wastesand encourage local officials (Appendix B) to adopt a house-hold hazardous waste disposal program.

� Have your on-lot sewage disposal system (Chapter 3) in-spected and the tank pumped regularly.

� When considering the application of lawn and garden chemi-cals, determine whether they are really necessary and what al-ternatives are available. When applying, use judiciously and fol-low label directions.

� Dispose of used motor oil properly at a recycling center and,whenever feasible, repair automobile fluid leaks.

� Use less toxic alternatives to products that generate house-hold hazardous waste. Buy only as much product as needed,give the remainder to someone else who can use it, recycle therest or dispose of it properly.

� In addition to providing many other benefits, a riparian buffer(Chapter 9) or corridor of vegetation, maintained along streams,

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ponds and wetlands, can intercept and greatly reduce the amountof fertilizer and other non-point source pollutants that wouldotherwise enter these surface waters via stormwater runoff.

� Support efforts of local municipal officials to control non-pointsource pollution through land use regulations that addressstormwater management, groundwater protection, and on-lot sew-age system maintenance.

Resources for More InformationEcological Landscaping Association: www.ela-ecolandscapingassn.org/

Organic Gardening: www.organicgardening.com/

Non-point Source Education for Municipal Officials, University of CT:nemo.uconn.edu/

PA DEP, Household Hazardous Wastes: www.depweb.state.pa.us/dep/site/default.asp. Select “Search” and “HHW.”

PA DEP, select “Non-point Source Pollution”: www.dep.state.pa.us/info.htm

Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management Program: paipm.cas.psu.edu/

Pike County Conservation District: www.pikeconservation.org

US EPA, What is Non-point Source Pollution?:www.epa.gov/owow/nps/whatis.html

PA Dep’t. of Agriculture Chemsweep Program: www.agriculture.state.pa.us.Search “Chemsweep.” Free program available to residents and businessesfor the disposal of unwanted pesticides. Download, complete and submitapplication form or call 570-836-2181 for information.

PA DEP, Hotline for more information on recycling and disposal of house-hold hazardous waste: 800-346-4242.

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3. On-lot Sewage Treatment System MaintenanceThe Homeowner’s Guide to Wastewater Managementby John Jose, Watershed Specialist, Pike County Conservation District

“The subject is a peculiar one...” ~ George Jennings Nineteenth century English Sanitary Engineer and Inventor

In more densely developedurban and metropolitan areas,household wastewater is com-monly piped off-site to a central-ized sewage treatment plant. How-ever in rural areas, often character-ized by more widely scattered residential development, the infrastructurerequired for centralized systems is often impractical and financially pro-hibitive.

As a result, like much of rural Pennsylvania, Pike County residentsmust often rely on individual, on-lot sewage treatment systems (on-lot sys-tems) to treat household wastewater. In effect, each homeowner has his/her ownsmall-scale sewage treatment plant right in their own yard and it is the homeowner’sresponsibility to ensure the proper use and maintenance of their system.

The good news is, on-lot system management need not be a mys-tery. With some basic knowledge, the homeowner can help ensure theirsystem will provide years of service treating household wastewater.

The Ins and Outs of On-lot SystemsWhile often bemoaned for their cost of installation and repair, prop-

erly functioning on-lot systems pro-vide many benefits including:

• Minimizing pollution ofsurface and groundwater

• Providing a safeguard forfamily health by helping to reduce contamination of drinking wa-ter supplies and public swimming areas

• Protecting the financial investment of homes and property

However, these benefits are only enjoyed when a system is:• Placed in an appropriate location on a building lot

With some basic knowledge ofproper use and maintenance, thehomeowner can help ensure theiron-lot system will provide years oftreatment of household wastewater.

Because of their widespread use inPike County, proper use and careof on-lot systems is very impor-tant.

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• Constructed properly• Used and maintained properly

When any of these conditions are not met, on-lot systems have thepotential to create water pollution and become a human health hazard. Thenegative impacts of improperly functioning on-lot systems can be felt bythe individual homeowner experiencing bacterial contamination of wellwater, to community or even watershed-wide impacts on both surface andgroundwater supplies. Because of their widespread use in Pike County, properuse and care of on-lot systems is very important.

Elevated Sand Mound Systems and Other OptionsTraditionally, on-lot septic systems consisted of a holding or septic

tank and an in-ground soil absorption field. While septic tanks are still amainstay in on-lot systems, in-ground absorption fields are seldom used inPike County today.

This is because in-ground absorption fields only work when theright type of soil is present at sufficient depth, conditions often not foundover much of Pike County where shallow, rocky, poorly drained soils pre-dominate. Due to these poor soil conditions and with the adoption of morestringent regulations designed to provide for more effective and safer on-lotwastewater treatment, in-ground soil absorption fields now often fail tomeet the regulatory criteria set by the Pennsylvania Department of Envi-ronmental Protection (PA DEP).

Specially designed above-ground absorption fields called elevatedsand mounds – also sometimes referred to as turkey, sand or raised mounds– are now widely used in place of in-ground absorption fields, and havebecome a fixture of community landscapes in Pike County. Given theirwide use, this section will focus on on-lot systems that incorporate an el-evated sand mound. For those who do have in-ground absorption fields,the basic principles of proper use and management covered here, apply.

Note: Additional conventional as well as alternative on-lotsystems, approved by PA DEP, are available to the home-owner installing a new system or undertaking a replacementor upgrade of an existing system (See Resources for MoreInformation at the end of this chapter). However, space limi-tations do not permit coverage of these systems here, whichinclude, but are not limited to at-grade, spray irrigation anddrip irrigation systems. Although they all serve the same pur-pose – processing residential wastewater on site – the differ-

— 18 —

ences between these systems provide a resident with moreoptions in providing for on-lot treatment that can meet thespecific requirements presented by a building site.

On-lot Sewage Treatment and DisposalThe primary components of a typical on-lot system in Pike County

include a septic tank buried beneath the surface, the above ground absorp-tion area, which includes sand and gravel material of the elevated sandmound, and underlying soils. On-lot sewage treatment and disposal is atwo-stage process.

The first stage begins with any household wastewater from appli-ances, bathrooms and kitchens being directed through a network of pipeswithin the home to a central collecting pipe that runs out to the septic tank.The primary function of the septic tank is to provide for settling, break-down, and storage of the collected wastewater.

Wastewater that enters a tank is held long enough to allow heaviersolid waste to settle to the bottom while lighter matter, consisting of greaseand fats, floats to the top. Structures called baffles prevent these materialsfrom flowing out of a tank and into the absorption field. Inside the tank,solid waste is reduced in volume through bacterial decomposition.

The Elevated Sand MoundAlthough a septic tank provides initial or “primary” treatment of

household wastewater, additional treatment is required to remove diseasecausing bacteria, viruses, protozoa and other contaminants. This is accom-plished in the second stage of on-lot treatment that takes place in the ab-sorption area that includes the elevated sand mound and soil layers beneaththe mound.

Diagram of an on-lot sewage treatment system with elevated sand mound

Reprinted with permission from theAmerican Society of Agricultural engineers

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With solid waste remaining in the tank, the partially treated liquidwastewater flows by gravity out of a port near the top of the septic tank andinto a pumping chamber, which in turn, pumps the effluent up to the topof the absorption field. Here the effluent flows into a network of perforateddistribution pipes, located just beneath the mound’s surface.

These pipes distribute the effluent evenly over the absorption field.A portion of the wastewater released from the pipes evaporates up throughthe surface of the mound or is taken up by grass or other vegetation grow-ing on the mound’s surface.

The remaining wastewatertrickles down though gravel, sandand soil layers within the raisedmound. The sand serves to removelarger particles and disperse thewastewater evenly through the absorption field. Through complex physi-cal, chemical, and biological processes the soil beneath the mound providestreatment, removing much of the remaining disease causing microorgan-isms and other pollutants. Finally, the now treated wastewater is releasedfrom the soil layers and eventually down into underlying groundwater.

Maintaining On-lot Systems and Preventing System FailureThe rate at which solid waste enters a septic tank generally exceeds

how quickly it is decomposed bybacteria. As a result, if not pumpedout periodically, solid waste will ac-cumulate and eventually exceed atank’s capacity.

This can result in excess solid waste from a septic tank overflowinginto the distribution pipes of the raised mound eventually causing them toclog. The result is often wastewater backing up into households or seeping outof the surface of the raised mound. A clogged absorption field, resulting fromnot pumping a septic tank frequently enough to remove accumulated waste,is one of the primary causes of on-lot system failure in Pike County.

A general rule of thumb is to have a septic tank pumped every threeyears or when solids occupy no more than 1/3 of a tank’s volume. A moreaccurate estimate of how often a tank should be pumped can be obtainedusing the chart in Table 1. Using this chart, based on the number of peoplein a household and the size of a tank, the frequency for pumping a tank canbe determined.

A general rule of thumb is to havea septic tank pumped every threeyears or when solids occupy nomore than 1/3 of a tank’s volume.

A clogged absorption field, result-ing from not pumping a septic tankfrequently enough is one of the pri-mary causes of on-lot system failure.

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Remember, pumping a tank out frequently will not harm a system! But notpumping a tank frequently enough can lead to costly repairs and water pollution.

Another cause of on-lot system failure is hydrological overloading thatresults from overloading a system with excessive amounts of household waste-water. Excess amounts of wastewater flowing into a septic tank can cause solidsto be flushed past tank baffles into the absorption field.

Also, an absorption field that remains saturated works less efficientlyand can clog due to a build-up of organic material. Reducing water use bypracticing basic water conservation measures at home, and spacing out heavywater use days, i.e. days when household laundry is done, can help preventsystem overload. (See Appendix C, Water Conservation at Home).

At the very least, a failed system can cause significant inconvenience forthe homeowner. At worst, pollution of lakes, streams and drinking water sup-plies can occur along with the need for costly repairs or system replacement.

Years between pumping

Household Size (number of persons living in household)

500 5.8 2.6 1.5 1.0 0.7 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 —

750 9.1 4.2 2.6 1.8 1.3 1.0 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.3

900 11.0 5.2 3.3 2.3 1.7 1.3 1.0 0.8 0.7 0.5

1000 12.4 5.9 3.7 2.6 2.0 1.5 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.7

1250 15.6 7.5 4.8 3.4 2.6 2.0 1.7 1.4 1.2 1.0

1500 18.9 9.1 5.9 4.2 3.3 2.6 2.1 1.8 1.5 1.3

1750 22.1 10.7 6.9 5.0 3.9 3.1 2.6 2.2 1.9 1.6

2000 25.4 12.4 8.0 5.9 4.5 3.7 3.1 2.6 2.2 2.0

2250 28.6 14.0 9.1 6.7 5.2 4.2 3.5 3.0 2.6 2.3

2500 31.9 15.6 10.2 7.5 5.9 4.8 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.6

Table 1: Estimated septic tank pumping frequency. Based on number of personsin household and size of tank. Illustration courtesy of Penn State College ofAgricultural Sciences.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

example

Tank Size(gal)

*

*

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Repairing and Replacing On-lot SystemsPostponing repair of a malfunctioning system can lead to further

problems. Your local municipal Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO), aswell as a reputable firm with experience in system installation and repair,can provide assistance in determining what repairs are needed to avoid fur-ther complications and financial expense.

Financial assistance in the form of low interest long-term loans isavailable for replacement or repairs of improperly functioning or failed on-lot systems, through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority(See Resources for More Information at the end of this chapter).

Costly system failure can be prevented by much less expensive peri-odic inspection and pumping. Check your local yellow pages under “SepticTank and Systems Cleaning” or contact the Pennsylvania Septage Manage-ment Association for contractors in your area (See Resources for More In-formation at the end of this chapter).

The relatively minor investment in periodic inspections and pump-ing can save the homeowner sig-nificant costs down the road. Inaddition to repair costs incurred,a failed or malfunctioning on-lotsystem can present an obstacle inthe sale of a home.

Permits and TestingBefore beginning installation of a new on-lot system, or making

repairs or upgrades to an existing system, contact your municipal SEO todetermine what permits will be required. Your local conservation districtcan provide assistance in determining if an Erosion and Sediment ControlPlan (Chapters 5 and 10) will also be needed for your project.

There are numerous types of on-lot sewage disposal systems com-monly in use throughout Penn-sylvania. Each different type of on-lot system has its own require-ments and testing procedures. It isimportant for a property owner tohire a qualified and reputable firmto ensure that proper testing andsiting is performed for the specific type of sewage disposal system neededfor their property.

Financial assistance in the form oflow interest long-term loans is avail-able for replacement or repairs of im-properly functioning or failed on-lotsystems, through the PennsylvaniaInfrastructure Investment Authority.

Before beginning installation of anew on-lot system, or making repairsor upgrades to an existing system,contact your municipal Sewage En-forcement Officer (SEO) to deter-mine what permits will be required.

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Testing, to determine the suitability of a site for an on-lot system,generally involves digging one or more test pits. The SEO examines thesoils in the test pits to determine their suitability for treating wastewater. Ifthe soil is found to be suitable, a percolation test is usually conducted todetermine the rate at which the soil can accept wastewater produced by aproposed system. Percolation test results found to be acceptable are thenused to calculate a system’s size.

Other considerations in determining the type of system requiredfor a home, and where the system will be located, include the slope of theland and required isolation distances from wells, driveways and other im-portant features. A reputable firm and your local SEO can provide assis-tance in ensuring that the appropriate system is selected, properly installedand located in a suitable location on a building lot.

SummaryOn-lot sewage treatment systems are often used in rural areas, such

as Pike County, for the treatment of household waste water. When installed,used and maintained properly, on-lot systems minimize pollution of sur-face and groundwater resources and help to protect family health and thefinancial investment of homes and property.

Considering their widespread occurrence in Pike County, properuse and care of on-lot systems becomes critical. With some basic knowl-edge, the homeowner can help ensure their on-lot system will provide yearsof household wastewater treatment.

The most critical aspect of maintaining an on-lot system is pump-ing the tank. Having a tank pumped out every three years is generally con-sidered to be a good rule of thumb.

Negligence in maintaining a system can lead to system failure, wa-ter pollution and expensive repair costs. Financial assistance in the form oflow interest, long-term loans for replacement or repairs of improperly func-tioning or failed on-lot systems is available through the Pennsylvania Infra-structure Investment Authority.

Before beginning installation of a new on-lot system, or makingmodifications or upgrades to an existing system, contact your municipalSewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) to determine what permits will be re-quired. Your SEO and a reputable firm can help ensure that a new systemmeets the requirements of a particular site, is correctly sited and installed,and can also provide assistance in determining what is needed to repair amalfunctioning or failed system.

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Action Steps for Proper Use and Maintenanceof On-lot Sewage Systems

In addition to regular inspections of on-lot systems and pumping ofseptic tanks, listed below are measures homeowners can undertake to ensureproper operation of a system, extending its life while protecting communitydrinking water supplies and minimizing environmental impacts.

� Exercise caution with the use of additives marketed asproviding improvement to on-lot systems. Some productscan actually create problems in on-lot systems.

� Use and dispose of household hazardous wastes (HHW)properly (Chapter 2). Excess amounts of HHW poureddown household drains can impair on-lot system function-ing and may lead to groundwater contamination.

� Grease and oils from cooking, poured down householddrains, can accumulate in a septic tank and contribute to aclogged absorption filed; save and dispose of with garbage.

� The root systems of shrubs and trees, planted over ab-sorption fields, can penetrate, clog and damage distributionpipes. Maintaining a grass cover over a field is a safe bet.

� Avoid parking or driving automobiles, ATVs and othervehicles over absorption fields. Their weight can cause com-paction and damage to distribution pipes. Average-sizedriding mowers are generally O.K.

� Avoid placing large, inflatable swimming pools on ab-sorption fields; their weight can cause compaction of moundmaterials resulting in system failure.

� Practice water conservation measures to avoid overload-ing and saturating an absorption field, which can lead tosystem failure.

Resources for More InformationDingman Township Web Site: www.dingmantownship.org. Good resourcefor information on on-lot systems. Note: Questions regarding on-lot sys-tems should be directed to the local SEO of the municipality a residentresides in. Only Dingman Township residents should contact the DingmanTownship SEO with questions or complaints regarding on-lot systems.

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Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts: www.pacd.org/resources/lake_notes/septic.htm, “Lake Notes – Septic Systems.”

PA DEP, On-lot Sewage Treatment Systems:www.depweb.state.pa.us/dep/site/default.asp. Select “Search” and “On-lotDisposal System.”

Pennsylvania Septic Management Association (PSMA): www.PSMA.net.Good resource for information on on-lot systems. Also provides assistancein locating PSMA-certified inspectors.

Penn State University, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineer-ing: www.abe.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/f/onlotsewageindex.htm. Findvarious publications on on-lot systems including fact sheets on alternativesystems.

PENNVEST (Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority):www.pennvest.state.pa.us/pennvest. Select “Financial Assistance” and “On-Lot Sewage Disposal Funds.” Find information on financial assistance inthe form of low interest, long-term loans for rehabilitation, improvement,repair or replacement of a malfunctioning or failed on-lot sewage treatmentsystem.

U.S. EPA, Managing Septic Systems to Prevent Groundwater Contamina-tion: www.epa.gov/safewater/protect/pdfs/septic.pdf.

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4. Stormwater ManagementThe Rundown on Stormwater Runoffby John Jose, Watershed Specialist, Pike County Conservation District

“The significant problems we face cannot be solved at thesame level of thinking we were at when we created them.”

~ Albert Einstein

Stormwater runoff is created when rain or snowmelt accumulatesand runs across the surface of the land. Undeveloped, forested landscapesgenerate relatively low volumes of stormwater. However, as residential andcommercial land development proceeds, the volume of stormwater in PikeCounty watersheds increases.

This increase is primarily the result of the removal of forests, thecompaction of soils by construction equipment and the creation of imper-vious surfaces in the form of parking lots, driveways, roads and highways, aswell as rooftops of homes and buildings. Rain and snowmelt that would havebeen absorbed by leaf litter, soil and plant roots or that would have filteredinto the ground and provided groundwater recharge instead accumulates,creating excess levels of stormwater runoff. The lack of effective, long-termplanning for stormwater management in the development of Pike County’solder residential communities is another primary factor underlying currentstormwater problems being experienced by residents.

What does all this mean to the average Pike County homeowner?For many it means persistent stormwater-related problems including:

• Washed-out lawns and driveways• Flooded basements• Damaged septic systems• Nuisance areas of ponded water• Damage to public and private roads• Declining property values• Conflicts between residents• Polluted swimming areas• Contaminated groundwater supplies

Correcting these problems “after the fact” is often difficult and costlyfor homeowners and places a financial strain on community associationand municipal budgets. Despite the challenges that stormwater manage-ment presents there are options available for residents, community associa-

Despite the challenge thatmanaging stormwaterpresents, there are optionsavailable for residents,community associationsand municipalities.

— 26 —

Rain gutters direct rooftop runoff to thisattractive rain garden reducing storm-water problems for the homeowner andneighbors

tions and municipalities to address both existing and potential future,stormwater-related problems outlined in this chapter.

Stormwater Control at HomeSolutions for residents

may exist right in their own back-yard. Homeowners can reducestormwater runoff from their properties in a number of ways including thefollowing:

• Minimizing impervious surfaces (sidewalks, driveways,patios, etc.)

• Planting native vegetation, wherever possible, in place oflawn areas

• Not removing trees and other growing vegetation fromexisting forested areas

• Directing rain gutters onto lawn or garden areas wheremore water can seep back into the ground

• Constructing rain gardens or infiltration trenches• Using rain barrels to collect and recycle rooftop runoff

While the aforementionedmeasures can help to alleviatestormwater problems, a broader-scale approach is often necessaryto effectively address the biggerpicture of stormwater manage-ment. The remainder of this chap-ter will focus on the tools avail-able to implement more compre-hensive stormwater control mea-sures.

Municipal Options forStormwater Management

Stormwater is a natural resource that can be managed to the benefitof residents and the environment. The most effective strategy for stormwatermanagement is to prevent it from being created in the first place.

This requires planning for managing stormwater upfront, in thebeginning phases of land development planning efforts. Here, municipalland use regulations play a critical role by guiding the manner in which

The most effective strategy for man-aging strom water is to prevent itfrom being created in the first place.

— 27 —

development takes place in Pike County townships and boroughs, includ-ing how stormwater is managed.

Municipal governments can provide for more effective stormwatermanagement by adopting land use regulations that support ConservationDesign and Low Impact Development (LID) principles (Chapter 11).Incorporating Conservation Design and LID principles into land develop-ment projects reduces stormwater runoff in communities by decreasingamounts of impervious surfaces, maximizing stormwater infiltration, main-taining natural vegetation and existing drainage patterns, and conservingopen space.

Conservation Design standards also provide for maintaining bufferareas along streams, lakes and wetlands to help attenuate flood waters andto remove stormwater pollutants. Research has demonstrated that commu-nities that adopt these principles enjoy cleaner, healthier water resources.

Managing Stormwater in Pike County Community AssociationsOptions for community associations include enlisting the services

of a professional consulting engineer to conduct a stormwater assessmentthat evaluates problem areas and outlines potential solutions. A stormwaterassessment can also include suggestions for measures to reduce the poten-

Stormwater and Pike County StreamsStormwater Pollutes Streams

Increasing levels of stormwater runoff present significant challenges toprotecting Pike County’s streams, lakes and wetlands. Of particular concern arethe County’s High Quality (HQ) and Exceptional Value (EV) streams.

Stormwater moving across the human-built landscape, picks up and trans-ports non-point source pollutants (Chapter 2). This now polluted stormwaterfrequently runs off the land into a nearby stream impacting the aquatic life foundthere, including species of fish, aquatic insects and aquatic salamanders that areless tolerant to a polluted environment.

Stormwater, heated as it travels across sun-baked impervious surfacesincluding roads, parking lots, roofs and driveways, creates another type of waterpollution known as thermal pollution. Stormwater flowing into streams increaseswater temperatures resulting in decreased levels of dissolved oxygen. Lower levelsof dissolved oxygen make it more difficult for fish, insects and other members ofa stream’s aquatic community, adapted to an oxygen-rich stream environment, tosurvive, particularly during warmer summer months. Continued �

— 28 —

tial for future increases in stormwater runoff that are created as remainingundeveloped parcels in, or adjacent to a community, are developed.

But communities don’t have to wait for a stormwater assessment totake proactive measures. Community associations can also utilize Conser-vation Design and LID principles by incorporating them into their com-munity covenants.

Other community association options include programs that offerincentives to residents for lot consolidations or utilizing community fundsfor the outright purchase of vacant lots. Tax sales offer an opportunity forcommunity associations to acquire remaining, undeveloped land parcels atrelatively low cost.

Stormwater and Pike County Streams (continued from previous page)

Stormwater Damages Stream HabitatIncreasing volumes of stormwater runoff also damage the physical habi-

tat of streams. A typical Pike County stream works its way down through itswatershed in a repeated, step-wise fashion from pools (deeper areas) to riffles(resembling small rapids) to runs (longer, slower stretches). This creates smaller“microhabitats” within the larger stream habitat that support a rich, diversecollection of aquatic life.

The tremendous amount of energy carried by excess amounts ofstormwater runoff flowing through a stream can seriously damage the pool-riffle-run microhabitats leaving the overall stream habitat much less diverse. Asa result, a less diverse assemblage of animals, characterized by fish, insects andother life that are able to withstand an altered, simplified and more pollutedenvironment, will eventually predominate. Also, stream banks, washed out byhigh volumes of stormwater, release considerable amounts of soil particles orsediment (Chapter 5) that is detrimental to stream life.

Within a short amount of time, a stream can become seriously dam-aged from the effects of increasing stormwater volumes in a developing water-shed. Many communities that have undertaken projects to repair stormwater-damaged streams find that this is often a labor and money-intensive undertak-ing and seldom will a stream be restored to its original state.

State environmental laws and municipal land use regulations incorpo-rating effective, long-term stormwater management (Chapter 4) – integratedinto watershed-based natural resource planning – provide an excellent frame-work for the conservation of Pike County’s streams.

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Stormwater damage to community infra-structure

Conservation of Forests and Wetlands for Stormwater ManagementConservation of open space, including Pike County forestlands, can

be cost effective for communities and municipalities, over the long-term, instormwater management. Why? Because protected land makes much less ofa contribution to stormwater problems that would otherwise be created as aresult of both compaction of soils and creation of impervious surfaces whena parcel of land is developed.

Efforts to provide long-term protection of forestlands canbe initiated by individual land-owners, community associations,fishing and hunting clubs, mu-nicipalities or county-level initia-tives. Conservation Easements(Chapter 11), legally bindingagreements that restrict or pro-hibit development on a parcel ofland, are one very effective optionthat have been used successfully to preserve forested lands in Pike County.

Wetlands (Chapter 7) – a naturally occurring yet critical componentin a community’s stormwater management infrastructure – should be givenhigh priority in land protection efforts. The Delaware Highlands Conser-vancy (Appendix D) is a local land trust that provides assistance to individu-als, communities and municipalities interested in land conservation.

Watershed-based Stormwater ManagementManaging water resources on a watershed basis (Chapter 1) pro-

vides a highly effective means of managing stormwater. This approach re-quires cooperative efforts between neighboring municipalities, whose bound-aries fall partly or completely within the same watershed. Residents cansupport and promote these efforts by attending municipal meetings or bywriting letters voicing support for cooperative efforts between their officialsand adjoining municipalities to address stormwater management concernsfor both present and future needs.

SummaryStormwater occurs naturally in undeveloped watersheds. However,

increasing land development, particularly where land use regulations andplanning for stormwater management are inadequate or lacking altogether,often results in excessive volumes of stormwater impacting Pike County’s

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natural resources, residents and communities. Stormwater causes floodingand infrastructure damage, pollutes and degrades surface waters and canlead to contaminated community drinking water supplies.

Stormwater need not be seen solely as a nuisance to be simply col-lected in ditches and pipes and moved off-site as quickly as possible. Over-emphasizing these control measures, often the basis of conventionalstormwater management strategies, often only shifts problems elsewhere,reduces groundwater recharge for community water supplies and fails toaddress protection of water quality.

Options for community associations include enlisting the servicesof a professional consulting engineer to conduct a stormwater assessmentthat evaluates problem areas and outlines potential solutions. Incorporat-ing Conservation Design and Low Impact Development (LID) principlesinto land development projects can reduce stormwater runoff in communi-ties by decreasing amounts of impervious surfaces, maintaining natural veg-etation and existing drainage patterns, maximizing stormwater infiltrationand conserving open space. Through comprehensive planning and the en-actment of land use regulations that incorporate Conservation Design andLID principles, municipal governments can play a significant role in effec-tive stormwater control.

Stormwater management on a watershed basis requires cooperationon many levels and provides an excellent model for a holistic approach tostormwater management. Various options exist, including the measures listedin this chapter, to address both existing stormwater problems and to plan toprevent future problems from occurring.

Need an NPDES Permit?Although single home construction, addition and renovation projectsusually do not require an NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimi-nation System) permit for stormwater discharges, land developmentactivities that involve 1 acre or more of disturbance, over the life of aproject, may require an NPDES permit. (See Chapter 10 for moreinformation on NPDES permits). Contact the Pike County Conser-vation District for assistance in determining whether or not yourproject will require an NPDES permit.

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Action Steps for Stormwater Management� Let your local officials (Appendix B) know you supportintermunicipal, watershed-based stormwater management.

� Support local municipal officials in the implementationof land use regulations that incorporate Low Impact Devel-opment and Conservation Design principles.

� Encourage your community association to conduct astormwater assessment that looks at solutions for existing aswell as potential, future stormwater problems.

� Protect wetlands (Chapter 7) that remove pollutants fromstormwater runoff and help to control flooding.

� For residents, directing downspouts onto lawn areas orinto rain gardens or rain barrels, minimizing areas of imper-vious surfaces, maintaining native vegetation (including for-ests) and minimizing lawn areas can all help to reduce storm-water runoff.

� Support community association and municipal-levelinitiatives for open space conservation.

Resources for More InformationLow Impact Development Center: www.lowimpactdevelopment.org

Natural Resources Defense Council, Low Impact Development:www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/storm/chap12.asp

Non-point Education for Municipal Officials, University of Connecticut:http://nemo.uconn.edu

PA DEP, permitting information:www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/efacts/generalpermitslisting.htm

PA DEP, Stormwater Management: www.depweb.state.pa.us/dep/site/default.asp. Select “Search” and “Stormwater Management.”

Pike County Conservation District: www.pikeconservation.org. Good sourcefor technical information on obtaining permits for development activities.Downloadable forms available.

Delaware Highlands Conservancy (Appendix D):www.delawarehighlands.org

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Master Gardeners at Pike County Cooperative Extension Office:http://pike.extension.psu.edu/. Select “Horticulture/Gardening.” Telephone:570-296-3400. Information on selecting and growing native plants.

Native Plant Society of New Jersey: www.npsnj.org/ rain_garden_home.htm.Downloadable manual on building a rain garden.

PA Bureau of Forestry: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry. Select “Education andInformation” and “Wild Plant Program.” Information on landscaping withnative plants.

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5. Erosion and SedimentationSoil + Water = Pollution!by John Jose, Watershed Specialist, Pike County Conservation District

“The history of every nation is eventuallywritten in the way it cares for its soil.”

~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

You may be surprised to learn that soil – yes, good old dirt – is amajor cause of water pollution in Pennsylvania. The good news is muchcan be done to prevent soil or “sediment” pollution of the Commonwealth’sstreams, rivers, lakes and wetlands. This section will explain how sedimentpollution is created, applicable state and federal regulations and what PikeCounty residents can do to help reduce this pollution problem.

Wind and Water Move MountainsErosion and sedimentation are naturally occurring processes. Ero-

sion is the wearing away of bedrock and soil layers by wind and water.Sedimentation occurs when rock and soil particles or “sediments” are car-ried by wind and water and deposited at another location – frequently astream, river, pond or wetland (collectively referred to as “surface waters”).In Pike County’s developing watersheds, the primary source of increasinglevels of erosion and sedimentation is residential and commercial land de-velopment that removes growing vegetation and leaf litter from forest floors,exposing bare soil to the erosive forces of stormwater runoff (Chapter 4).

Fish and Muddy WatersThe impacts of sediment pollution include:• Loss of fish and other aquatic life.

• Accelerated rates of aquatic plant growth in lakes andstreams, spurred by the release of excess nutrients,including nitrogen and phosphorus.

• Increased frequency and intensity of flooding as sedimentclogs waterways.

• Pollution of public water supplies and, as a result,increased treatment costs.

Knowing Your BMPsAny person proposing or conducting an earth disturbance activity

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Silt Fence: A BMP used commonly inPike County to control soil sediment onearth disturbance sites

– defined as “A construction or other human activity which disturbs thesurface of the land…” – in Pennsylvania is required by state regulations todevelop, implement and maintain Best Management Practices (BMPs) tominimize the potential for erosion and sedimentation from project sites.Examples of BMPs utilized on Pike County earth disturbance sites include:

• Minimizing the area of disturbance created by a project• Maintaining existing vegetation, including vegetated

streamside “buffers”• Installing silt fence and sediment traps• Seeding and mulching disturbed areas as a project proceedsIt is important to remember that the most cost effective BMP for

controlling erosion and sedimentation is to minimize the areas of earth dis-turbance on a project site. In other words, clear only the area needed tosuccessfully complete a projectand keep existing vegetation inplace on the remainder of a site.

A Plan of ActionDeveloping and follow-

ing an Erosion and SedimentControl Plan (E&S Plan) is ahighly effective way to minimizesoil erosion from land develop-ment sites. State regulations re-quire that an E&S Plan be in writ-ing and available at a project siteduring all stages of earth distur-bance activity whenever the potential exists for the discharge of soil sedi-ment to surface waters designated as either High Quality (HQ) or Excep-tional Value (EV), which includes almost all of Pike County.

Among other requirements, an E&S Plan must include:• Existing topographic features• Soil types and locations• Description of BMPs to be used• Plan drawings• A maintenance program for BMPs• Description of the earth disturbance activityIn Pike County, whether it is a larger project, such as a residential

subdivision or a smaller project for the homeowner including adding anaddition, building a deck or shed or installing an in-ground pool or a drive-

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way, an E&S Plan is required.Resources available at the Pike County Conservation District to

assist with the development of an E&S plan include Erosion and Sedi-ment Control Guidelines for Small Projects and, for larger more complexprojects, the PA DEP’s Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Pro-gram Manual. Check your local yellow pages for engineers or other con-sultants that develop E&S Plans. Conservation District staff are also avail-able to answer questions and provide assistance.

An E&S Plan is only effective in controlling soil sediment runoff whendeveloped in advance and properly implemented through the life of a project. Itis important that the person(s) responsible for an earth disturbance site haveaccess to the E&S Plan for that site so that they have the following information:

• BMPs required for each different phase of a project• Equipment and materials required to install structural

BMPs as they are needed• A BMP maintenance plan• Areas on a site that must be avoided during construction

RCE

Sample Small Project Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Drawing

— LEGEND & SYMBOLS —

ROAD CULVERT

STREAM STRAW BALE BARRIER

BOUNDARY LINE FILTER FABRIC FENCE

SLOPE ROCK FILTER BERM

ROCK CONSTRUCTION LIMIT OF DISTURBANCEENTRANCE DRAINAGE SWALE

— GENERAL INFORMATION —

PROPERTY OWNER:___________________

PROJECT: ___________________________

MUNICIPALITY: _______________________

DATE: _______________________________

APPROXIMATE SCALE: 1”= ____________

8%

John Doe

Doe HomeDoe Township

00-00-00

50’

SBB

FF

Sample drawing of an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan

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In addition to being required by state environmental regulations, cre-ating and implementing an E&S Plan is an effective way to keep soil on landdevelopment sites and out of the HQ and EV surface waters of Pike County’sSpecial Protection Watersheds. Prior to starting any earth disturbance activ-ity, check with your local municipality (Appendix B): local ordinances andpermit requirements may apply.

In addition, an NPDES or National Pollution Discharge Elimina-tion System permit may also be required for projects that involve over oneacre of earth disturbance over the life of a project (See Chapter 10 for moreinformation on NPDES permits). Contact the Pike County ConservationDistrict for assistance in determining whether or not a project will require anNPDES permit.

SummarySoil provides for life by sup-

porting agriculture that providesfood and by supporting forests thatfilter air and water, absorb greenhouse gases and produce oxygen.But soil carried in stormwater, fromsites where land development is oc-curring, into streams, lakes and wetlands, creates a serious pollution prob-lem. Soil sediment can kill aquatic life by smothering spawning and nestingareas and clogging gills of fish and aquatic insects.

Pollutants attached to soil particles worsen the impacts of soil sedi-mentation. Excess levels of nutrients can spur excess growth of aquatic plants.The build-up of soil sediments in streams can lead to flooding and increasedtreatment costs for public water supplies.

It is the responsibility of any person undertaking an earth distur-bance activity in Pennsylvania to implement and maintain Best ManagementPractices (BMPs) to minimize erosion and sedimentation from a project site.

In addition, when earth disturbance creates the potential for the dis-charge of soil sediment to surface waters designated as either High Quality(HQ) or Exceptional Value (EV) – which includes almost all of Pike County– a written Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan must be developed andimplemented.

Failure to implement an E&S Plan can result not only in pollution ofsurface waters, but is also a violation of state regulations. Properly imple-menting an E&S Plan, including maintaining Best Management Practiceson a project site, assists in protecting Pike County’s surface water resources.

It is the responsibility of any per-son undertaking an earth distur-bance activity to implement andmaintain Best Management Prac-tices to minimize erosion and sedi-mentation from a project site.

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Action Steps for Controlling Erosion and Sedimentation� Plan for erosion control before beginning a project.

� Have and implement an Erosion and SedimentationControl Plan for projects with earth disturbance. Not onlywill this control sediment pollution, having a written planis also required by state law in Pike County’s Special Pro-tection Watersheds.

� Maintain Best Management Practices as a projectproceeds.

� Contact your local conservation district to report aproject site that is causing sediment pollution of a stream,river, lake or wetland.

Resources for More InformationNon-point Education for Municipal Officials, University of Connecticut:http://nemo.uconn.edu

PA DEP, Permitting Information:www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/efacts/generalpermitslisting.htm

Pike County Conservation District: www.pikeconservation.org. Good sourcefor technical information on obtaining permits for development activities.Downloadable forms available.

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6. GroundwaterProtecting Pike County’s Water Supplyby John Jose, Watershed Specialist, Pike County Conservation District

“High quality water is more than the dream of conservationists,more than a political slogan; high quality water…is essentialto health, recreation, and economic growth.”

~ Edmund S. Muskie Former Secretary of State & U.S. Senator

While “surface waters” such as lakes, ponds, streams, rivers and wet-lands are visible and familiar to us, groundwater often remains an out-of-sight and out-of-mind issue. As a result, a great deal of misunderstandingand misinformation about this vi-tal resource exists. This chapter willcover basic yet essential conceptsin understanding groundwater,challenges to protecting this resource in Pike County and measures that canbe taken by individuals, communities and municipalities to conserve localgroundwater supplies.

Who Needs It? We all do!Pike County is entirely de-

pendent on groundwater to meetits water needs. With the exceptionof bottled water originating fromsources outside of the County, all water that is consumed at home, in school,and in the work place originates as groundwater from private, communityand municipal wells, and springs.

The challenge now faced lies in maintaining both the quantity andquality of regional groundwater reserves for both present and future needs.This challenge is made all the more clear and urgent with the realization that,for the last three and a half decades, Pike County has experienced a level ofdevelopment distinguishing it as the fastest growing county in Pennsylvaniaand among the most rapidly developing in the nation.

Groundwater for Human HealthClean water is required not only for basic human survival, but is

also necessary for maintaining good health. With some exceptions, ground-water supplies underlying Pike County generally meet these needs for resi-

Pike County is entirely dependenton groundwater to meet its waterneeds.

The challenge now faced lies inmaintaining regional groundwaterreserves for both present and futureneeds.

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A clean and adequate supply of water isessential to maintaining good health

dents. However, it is a resource that is vulnerable to pollution from a varietyof sources.

As residential and commercial development continues, more homes,buildings, roads and highways are built and more underground storage tanksand on-lot sewage treatment systemsare installed. The catch is, all of thisdevelopment activity is literally tak-ing place on top of the water supplythat Pike County depends on. In ad-dition, residents, through activitiesaround the home, may unknow-ingly be contributing to the pollu-tion of the groundwater they con-sume.

Although overall, PikeCounty’s groundwater resources aregenerally of good quality, contaminants, both naturally occurring and of hu-man origin, have been detected in private and community water wells. Formore discussion on causes and prevention of groundwater contamination referto “Maintaining Groundwater Quality: Let’s Keep it Clean Folks!” later in thischapter and Chapter 2 on non-point source pollution. Information on watertesting can be found in Appendix E.

The Dollars and Cents of GroundwaterClean and adequate groundwater supplies are also essential to a healthy

economy. Tourism is a significant component of Pike County’s economy andthe County’s high quality natural resources are one of the primary draws forpeople visiting the region. Pollutedgroundwater could negatively im-pact tourism by making the area aless desirable vacation destination.

In addition, any small orlarge-scale industry considering PikeCounty as a potential location to es-tablish a facility, will be looking forclean groundwater supplies in order to avoid costly treatment measures neededto make water suitable for its manufacturing processes; contaminated ground-water could be a disincentive to such industry.

Last, but not least, are the catastrophic financial impacts that indi-

Groundwater is, in a sense, the life-blood of Pike County. Not onlydoes it provide residents with a gen-erally clean and abundant watersupply, it is also vital to the regionaleconomy and to sustaining ahealthy environment.

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vidual homeowners and communities experience when contamination rendersgroundwater supplies unpotable. Costs to locate and develop new water sup-plies and carry out cleanup efforts can run into the millions of dollars and veryseldom is polluted groundwater restored to its original contaminant-free state.

Clean Groundwater for Clean Streams Good groundwater stewardship practices are essential to maintain-

ing the health of the County’s state designated High Quality and Excep-tional Value streams. Why? Because groundwater and surface water resourcesare interconnected through the hydrological cycle. As groundwater migratesup to the earth’s surface, “discharging” to lakes, streams and wetlands, con-taminants in groundwater can enter these surface waters and impact theaquatic life they support. Additionally, conservation initiatives should fo-cus not only on ensuring that adequate groundwater supplies are main-tained for human needs but should also focus on ensuring that adequateamounts remain to provide “base flow” to streams during dry periods, par-ticularly under drought conditions.

Groundwater is, in a sense, the lifeblood of Pike County. Not only doesit provide residents with a generally clean and abundant water supply, it is alsovital to the regional economy and to sustaining a healthy environment.

The Water CycleThe amount of water present on Earth today has remained con-

stant for millions of years. In fact, the water in this morning’s coffee mayhave been the same water a dinosaur sipped from a pond millions ofyears ago. This water continually circulates and is recycled though thehydrological (water) cycle (Figure 1).

In the hydrological cycle, evaporation from the earth’s surfaceand transpiration from the surface of plant leaves releases water vaporinto the atmosphere. Eventually, water in the atmosphere condenses andfalls back to the earth as some form of precipitation (rain, snow, sleet,etc.). A portion of the precipitation falling on Pike County’s watershedswill travel across the land’s surface as stormwater runoff (Chapter 4),entering nearby surface waters.

Rain and snowmelt that does not run off as stormwater or return tothe atmosphere through transpiration and evaporation can percolate downthrough soil layers and into the open spaces of underlying sand, gravel andbedrock providing recharge of groundwater supplies.

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A Story of Rocks, Sand and WaterThe idea that groundwater is found beneath the earth’s surface in

underground rivers or lakes is largely a myth. In Pike County, localgroundwater supplies are found in either of two basic types of earthmaterials: consolidated bedrock such as sandstone or shale or uncon-solidated glacial debris consisting of silt, sand, gravel and rocks.

Bedrock: The majority of Pike County residents obtain theirgroundwater from wells drilled into bedrock. “Solid” bedrock acts as asponge storing and moving groundwater through minute, interconnectedpore spaces. Significant quantities of groundwater also move throughthe cracks and fractures running throughout bedrock. This intercon-nected system of cracks and fractures acts as a subterranean plumbingsystem that residents tap into when a well is drilled into bedrock.

Glacial deposits: The last glacial period that impacted Pike Countyended approximately 20,000 years ago. A sheet of ice, upwards of threethousand feet thick and covering much of Northeast Pennsylvania, be-gan to melt as climatic changes brought increasing temperatures. As aresult, large quantities of sand, gravel and rock that were embedded inthis ice sheet were deposited over much of the County.

While some of this material simply dropped out directly onto thesurface of the land, much was transported in vast quantities of meltwaters, flowing downward across the landscape, eventually reaching theDelaware River Valley where these materials settled out, leaving behinddeposits up to 500 feet deep. Groundwater supplies in these glacial de-posits occupy the open spaces in sand, rocks, and gravel.

The most significant deposits of glacial material in Pike Countyoccur along the County’s eastern edge, particularly in the Milford-Matamoras corridor area. Water wells in this area draw their water fromgroundwater stored in this glacial material.

Groundwater, Aquifers, Water Tables and StreamsThe water table marks the top of the zone of saturation. All water

found below the water table within the zone of saturation, occupying the openpore spaces in sand, gravel and bedrock, is groundwater.

The water table is not static but falls as groundwater continuouslymigrates to the earth’s surface into springs, streams, wetlands and lakes.Water tables, or groundwater levels, fall more quickly during dry periods

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when precipitation is not available to provide recharge. Conversely, precipi-tation and snowmelt will raise the water table, bringing it closer to theearth’s surface as the zone of saturation rises. When a well stops providingwater during a drought, it is often because the water table has droppedbelow the depth of the water pump in that well.

Areas beneath the earth’s surface where sufficient quantities ofgroundwater are found that can be extracted to meet human demand arereferred to as aquifers. An aquifer may be as small as a few acres or mayunderlie an entire watershed.

Gravity and pressure are the primary forces causing groundwaterto flow underground and eventually return to the surface. Groundwatergenerally flows along a natural gradient from upland recharge areas, in thehigher elevations of watersheds, to lowland discharge areas where ground-water returns to the surface forming springs and entering lakes, streams andwetlands. How quickly groundwater travels beneath the surface depends onseveral factors and varies from only a few inches per year up to several feetper day.

It is significant that 70-80% of the water that flows though PikeCounty streams is supplied by groundwater. In fact, during dry periods,100% of the water moving through many streams originates as groundwa-ter discharging up from below. At a temperature of approximately 50 de-

Figure 1: Water cycle illustration. Courtesy of the League of Women Voters ofPA, Citizen Education Fund

Vapors cool to formclouds and precipitation

Sun’s heat causesevaporation

Evaporationfrom oceans Evaporation from

lakes and rivers

Rain Hail

Snow

Evaporation fromprecipitation

Transpiration andevaporation fromcrops, trees, andother plants

Ocean

Bedrock

GroundwaterWater well Infiltration/

percolation

Soil-porous earthSoil

Saline groundwater

Surfacerunoff

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grees, groundwater flowing into streams helps to maintain colder water tem-peratures, which in turn enables streams to hold more dissolved oxygen.This becomes critical during drier, warmer summer months when colder,oxygen-rich water is needed to keep fish, including Pike County’s nativebrook trout, and other aquatic stream life, alive.

Groundwater Quantity: When is Enough, Enough?Pike County’s undeveloped, forested landscapes allow for relatively

high rates of infiltration or groundwater recharge by rain and snow melt.This recharge replenishes and sustains the supply of groundwater that resi-dents and businesses depend on.

However, as residential and commercial development proceeds, for-ests are cleared and replaced by impervious surfaces in the form of parkinglots, highways, secondary roads, driveways and rooftops, disrupting thegroundwater recharge process. Simultaneously, increasing numbers of wellsare drilled, putting increasing pressure on underlying aquifers. Droughts,occurring with increasing frequency and intensity in recent years, are a thirdmajor factor.

These factors all affect groundwater supplies, impacting both peopleand streams and pointing to the need for conservation measures practicedby residents (see Appendix C) and businesses as well as proactive planningfor long-term management of groundwater resources.

Figure 2: Groundwater illustration. Courtesy of the League of Women Votersof PA, Citizen Education Fund

Water seepage

Unsaturated zone

Water table

Saturated zone(groundwater)

Pores filled withair and water

Pores filled withwater

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Groundwater Quality: Let’s Keep it Clean Folks!Leaking underground storage tanks, hazardous wastes released from

transport trucks involved in highway accidents and improperly or illegallydisposed of toxic wastes all present a threat to groundwater supplies. Whilethese potential sources of contamination must be addressed there is anotherless obvious, but potentially widespread source of groundwater pollutionknown as non-point source pollution (Chapter 2).

In Pike County’s watersheds, non-point source pollution originatesfrom many diverse, scattered sources including on-lot sewage treatment sys-tems, road de-icing agents, small-scale livestock operations, household haz-

Summer = Groundwater DroughtDuring the summer growing season, rainfall from showers and

thunderstorms may cause stream, river and lake levels to rise quickly andreach capacity or even spill their banks causing flooding. The appearanceof this abundance of water may lead residents to believe that a drought hasbeen broken and water conservation measures can be relaxed. But what isgoing on beneath the surface with groundwater supplies may be an en-tirely different story.

Why? Because during the growing season the process of ground-water recharge is “short-circuited” by growing vegetation. When leafedout, plants (including Pike County’s forests) act as living pumps drawingwater from soil, transporting it up through vascular tissue in trunks andbranches and releasing it through the surface of leaves into the atmosphere.

As a result, during the summer season, a considerable amount ofrain must fall before any significant recharge or replenishment of ground-water supplies occurs. Only when plants have absorbed as much water asthey need and soil layers have become saturated is water from rainfall ableto move past the root zone of plants and down through soil layers andbedrock into the zone of saturation providing groundwater recharge andraising the water table.

However, droughts affecting Pike County have been broken dur-ing the growing season when the remnants of tropical storms or hurricaneshave moved through the region and dropped significant amounts of rainthat has fallen steadily over a period of days. Under these conditions soilsbecome saturated, thirsty plants have their water needs met and water fromrainfall is able to reach the water table, replenishing groundwater suppliesfor Pike County’s private, community, and commercial wells.

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ardous wastes including lawn and garden chemicals, leaking automobilefluids and improperly disposed of motor oil.

These types of pollutants can potentially enter the water cycle, fol-lowing the same route as rain or snowmelt, moving down through soil lay-ers and bedrock into groundwater supplies and eventually flowing into wellsor up into a nearby stream. In addition, household hazardous wastes (Chapter2) dumped down household drains can move through a septic system, even-tually reaching groundwater and potentially contaminating drinking waterwells. As a general rule of thumb,“If you wouldn’t want to drink it,think twice before pouring it onthe ground or dumping it down adrain!”

The impacts of contaminated groundwater are felt on many levels inaffected communities including:

• Social impacts and psychological stress as normal day-to-day lives of individuals, families and communitiesare disrupted

• Sub-acute and acute illness among residents• Short and long-term financial liability incurred by

residents, businesses and community associations

While the groundwater supplies underlying Pike County’s water-sheds are generally considered to be of good quality, contaminants, eithernaturally occurring or introduced by human activities, have been detectedin residential water samples. These include lead and copper (released fromhousehold plumbing by corrosive groundwater), bacteria, radon and in somecases MTBE, a chemical component of gasoline. Information on water test-ing can be found in Appendix E.

Even with state of the art technology and even when sufficient mon-etary resources – possibly in the millions of dollars – can be obtained, cleanupof contaminated groundwater is a lengthy process and very often ground-water is not completely restored to its original contaminant-free state. Toprotect community drinking water supplies, and to avoid these consequences,the ultimate solution is preventative measures taken by residents, the busi-ness sector, community associations and municipalities that focus on main-taining groundwater supplies in a state as free of contamination as possible.

SummaryPike County residents, visitors and businesses depend entirely on

70-80% of the water that flowsthough Pike County streams issupplied by groundwater.

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groundwater to meet their water needs. The groundwater found beneathPike County watersheds is generally of good quality and adequate in supplyto meet current, local demand.

However, groundwater is a resource that is vulnerable to over-with-drawal and contamination. Rising rates of residential and commercial de-

Underground Storage Tanks for Home Heating Oil and Groundwater Contamination

Underground storage tanks (USTs) are often used to store homeheating oil. Usually constructed of metal, USTs are subject to the cor-rosive forces of their subsurface environment. As a result, over time,these tanks have the potential to rust through and develop leaks releas-ing heating oil to surrounding soil and to groundwater. Even tanks thatare coated to resist corrosion are prone to failure.

USTs have been known to begin leaking as quickly as twentyyears after installation and a leaking tank may go undetected, allowingfor the release of its contents. Signs of a leaking UST include a strongpetroleum odor around a tank or in a basement, the need to refill a tankmore often than would be expected, a dark staining of soil around thearea where a tank is located, water accumulating in a tank or suddenerratic behavior of a furnace caused by water that has become mixedwith heating oil.

Contamination of the homeowner’s and neighboring wells canoccur and as a result, the owner of a failed UST can incur significantfinancial liability not only for cleanup and removal of a tank and con-taminated soil, but also for costs associated with groundwater cleanupand damage to neighboring homes and property. To help ensure againstan undetected failure one option for a property owner is to remove andreplace a UST with an above ground tank.

The cost of removing a UST and replacing it with an aboveground tank before it fails can provide significant cost savings down theroad. Financial assistance for the removal and cleanup of failed USTs isavailable through the PA DEP’s Underground Storage Tank HeatingOil Clean-up Program (See Resources for More Information at the endof this chapter). When having a new home built the homeowner canrequest installation of an aboveground tank outside a home or in abasement.

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velopment in Pike County will continue to present significant challenges tomaintaining adequate and clean groundwater supplies. Because groundwa-ter contamination is often difficult to detect, expensive to cleanup and athreat to both human and environmental health, the best approach is toprevent contamination from occurring in the first place.

Groundwater protection requires a multi-faceted approach includ-ing educational efforts from school students to community leaders, imple-mentation of Source Water Protection (SWP) plans (Appendix F), and par-ticipation by all residents doing their part as “groundwater guardians.” Re-fer to the suggestions listed below for measures that residents, communityassociations and municipal officials can take to protect Pike County’s ground-water resources.

Action Steps for Groundwater Protection� Attend meetings or write letters to local municipal officialssupporting their efforts to create municipal ordinances designedto protect groundwater including ordinances for private wellconstruction, on-lot sewage treatment system maintenance,Conservation Design principles for land development and thestart of a household hazardous waste collection program.

� Support your community association in the adoption ofrestrictions, covenants and codes designed to protect ground-water and in any efforts undertaken to establish and improveWellhead Protection plans for community wells.

� Have your septic tank inspected and pumped on a regularbasis to minimize groundwater contamination from your on-lot system.

� Join or form an environmental committee for your com-munity association and start a groundwater protection program.

� Properly dispose of household hazardous wastes includingnot pouring down household drains or onto the ground.

� Support efforts to conserve wetlands. Wetlands act as fil-ters, removing many water pollutants and providing rechargeto underlying aquifers.

� Replace underground storage tanks for heating oil withabove ground tanks to prevent a potential undetected leak.

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� Have your water tested. While water testing does not pro-tect groundwater, it can provide valuable information on thequality of well water and treatment measures that may be neededto remove pollutants that are present. Refer to Appendix E formore information on water testing.

Resources for More InformationPA DEP, Groundwater Protection: www.depweb.state.pa.us/dep/site/default.asp. Select “Search” and “Groundwater Protection.”

PA DEP, Home Heating Oil Underground Storage Tank Clean-up:www.depweb.state.pa.us/dep/site/default.asp. Select “Storage Tank CleanupProgram.” Includes information on procedures and financial assistance avail-able for cleanup of failed underground, residential heating oil tanks.

PA League of Women Voters Water Resource Education Network:pa.lwv.org/wren/library.html#groundwater. Downloadable groundwatereducational materials.

Penn State Water Resources Extension: www.sfr.cas.psu.edu/water

Pennsylvania Groundwater Association: www.pgwa.org

Pike County Conservation District: www.pikeconservation.org

US EPA, Citizen’s Guide to Groundwater Protection: www.epa.gov/safewater/protect/citguid.pdf

US EPA, Groundwater and Drinking Water: www.epa.gov/ogwdw

U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources of the U.S.: water.usgs.gov

— 49 —

7. Wetlands ConservationMucking Through the Mythsby Ellen Salak, Resource Conservationist and Susan Beecher, District Man-ager, Pike County Conservation District

“The very existence of our nation, and of all the rest, depends onconserving the resources which are the foundations of its life.”

~ Gifford Pinchot

Swamps, marshes or bogs, whatever you choose to call them, wet-lands play a vital role in the overall balance of the environment. Long re-garded as wastelands, wetlands are now recognized for the numerous ben-efits they provide for both people and the environment including support-ing a wide diversity of plants and wildlife, providing stormwater and floodcontrol, improving water quality, supporting ecotourism, sustaining ground-water supplies and supporting recreational opportunities.

What Makes a Wetland a Wetland?Wetlands generally occur in

low-lying areas and depressions inthe landscape, or in shallow waterareas along rivers, lakes or ponds.Some wetlands, however, are foundon slopes where groundwater seepsto the surface. Wherever they are found, wetlands all have the followingcharacteristics in common:

• Hydric soils – soils that show characteristics of beingperiodically saturated

• Hydrophytic vegetation – plants adapted to life inwet environments

• Wetland hydrology – the presence of water for extendedperiods of time at or near the surface

State and federal agencies responsible for wetlands protection use thefollowing definition to describe wetlands and the conditions that create them:

“Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water orgroundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support,and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalenceof vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil condi-tions, including swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas.”

Conserving wetlands, and themany benefits these ecosystemsprovide, becomes especially criti-cal in rapidly developing areassuch as Pike County.

— 50 —

Wetlands Are Vital Yet Vulnerable Natural SystemsIn the 1600s, over 220 million acres of wetlands are thought to

have existed in the lower 48 states. Since then, extensive losses have oc-curred, with over half of these original wetlands drained, filled or convertedto other uses.

The picture is similar in Pennsylvania. In the late 1700s, the Com-monwealth had over 1 million acres of wetlands. Today, less than half re-mains, covering about 2 percent of the state’s total land area. Most remain-ing wetlands in PA are located in the glaciated northwestern and northeast-ern Pocono Mountains regions of the state, including Pike County.

Regulatory Protection for WetlandsWetlands are protected by federal, state and local laws. Com-

monly prohibited activities include filling, dredging or draining. Con-struction of bridges, walkways, docks, roads or levees across wetlandsand alteration of wetland areas along streams, lakes or ponds all requirestate and/or federal permits.

Wetlands, particularly smaller wetland areas, are not always anobvious feature of the landscape. Seek professional advice if you plan anyactivities on your property in or around wetland areas. Assistance andinformation is available to determine if wetlands are present on yourproperty through the Pike County Conservation District, Regional Of-fices of the PA Department of Environmental Protection, the US ArmyCorps of Engineers and private consultants. For a list of private consult-ants that provide wetland delineations, check your local yellow pages orcontact the Pike County Conservation District.

The Human ImpactDespite what we know today about the benefits provided by wet-

lands, an estimated 60,000 acres are still lost each year in the U.S. The lossof wetlands is directly linked to a number of human activities that havedirect or indirect impacts including:

• Draining and filling wetlands for land development• Residential, commercial and industrial development

adjacent to wetlands that releases pollutants andwithdraws groundwater that would otherwisesustain wetlands, particularly during dry periods

• Agriculture practices that drain or otherwise degradewetlands

— 51 —

• Certain mosquito control practices• Diking or damming wetlands to form ponds and lakes• Increased levels of stormwater runoff (Chapter 4) that

carry pollutants into wetlands• The introduction of non-native invasive plant species that

crowd out beneficial native wetland plants

Whether the impacts to wetlands are direct or indirect, the result is thesame: the loss of the many values and functions of wetlands. Conservingwetlands and the benefits they provide becomes especially critical in rapidlydeveloping areas such as Pike County.

Wetland BenefitsFlood Protection - Wetlands

provide flood control by absorb-ing rainfall and stormwater run-off, slowly releasing this water overtime, helping to prevent down-stream flooding. The role thatwetlands play in flood control is critical for Pennsylvania, the most flood-prone state in the nation.

Groundwater Recharge - Water held by wetlands can soak downthrough soil and rock layers providing replenishment or “recharge” of ground-water supplies, a benefit that becomes particularly important during dryperiods. Pike County’s relatively abundant supply of groundwater is mostcertainly linked to the abundance of wetlands found here.

Water Filtration - Wetlands act as natural filters, removing harmfulsubstances that otherwise accumulate in surface and groundwater affectinghumans and wildlife. Heavy metals and nutrients such as nitrogen and phos-phorus are taken up by wetland plants removing these pollutants and othersoften carried in stormwater runoff. Wetland plants also help to slow downthe movement of stormwater allowing eroded soil sediment to settle out.

Although wetlands aid in stormwater control and can improve waterquality, they should not be seen simply as storage areas for excess, pollutedstormwater runoff. Despite their effectiveness in removing many pollut-ants, the natural filtering capabilities of wetlands can be exceeded by excessamounts of soil sediment and chemical pollutants reducing or eliminatingthe important functions they provide as well as endangering the diverseassemblage of unique plants and animals they are home to.

Economic Value - Preserving wetlands can save taxpayer dollars by re-

Wetlands act as natural filters, re-moving harmful substances thatotherwise accumulate in surfaceand groundwater affecting humansand wildlife.

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Pickerel frog: Wetlands provide habitatfor a variety of wildlife

Watershield and other aquatic plants arecommon along shorelines and in shallowlakes

ducing flood-related propertydamage and reducing or eliminat-ing the need for expensive floodcontrol structures. For example,the U.S. Army Corps of Engineersfound that protecting wetlandsalong the Charles River in Boston,Massachusetts saved over $17 mil-lion in potential flood damage.Wetlands can add to property val-ues by keeping waterways anddrinking water supplies clean andby providing open space. Human-made wetlands have been used as cost-effective alternatives to expensivewastewater treatment technologies. Conserving wetlands is also critical toecotourism, which includes bird watching and hiking and generates mil-lions of dollars annually.

Wildlife Habitat - Wetlands are among the most dynamic ecosys-tems in the world, comparable in plant and animal diversity to rain forestsand coral reefs. An immense va-riety of plants, insects, amphib-ians, reptiles, birds, fish andmammals live in wetland ecosys-tems. Physical features such asclimate, topography, geology andthe movement and abundance ofwater all help to create a particu-lar wetland habitat, which in turndetermines the types of plantsand animals that will be foundthere.

Wetlands can be thought of as “biological supermarkets” producinggreat volumes of food for many animals for part or all of their life cycles.The enriched organic material created by plant decomposition in wetlandsis an important component of food chains, feeding aquatic insects, shellfishand small fish that in turn provide food for larger fish, reptiles, amphibians,birds and mammals, including humans.

Many plant and animal species are entirely dependent upon wetlandsfor survival. Animals spawn, nest, breed, rest and raise their young in wet-

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lands. Wetland-adapted plants findsuitable conditions to germinate,grow and flower.

More than 140 species of birdsspend part of their life cycle inPennsylvania’s wetlands, including 8of 13 state endangered or threatened species. More than 100 species of fish in PAspawn and/or feed in wetlands, including important recreational species.

Nationwide, over $10 billion in fish and fish products are harvested fromwetland and deepwater habitats annually. The high biological productivity ofwetlands makes them vital ecosystems, not only to the plants and animals thatdirectly depend on them for food and shelter, but to humans as well.

Recreation and Aesthetic Values - Wetland areas provide opportunitiesfor hiking, bird watching and nature photography among other recreational pur-suits. Hunters and anglers of wetland-dependent animals and fish rely on wet-lands to support and maintain their recreational activities. For many people, wet-lands also provide a peaceful place to reflect while escaping from the stress andstrain of everyday life.

Identifying Wetlands on Your PropertyWetlands that have standing water year-round are relatively easy to iden-

tify. Others, particularly forested wetlands and smaller patches of wetlands onbuilding lots, can be more difficult to recognize especially during drier parts ofthe year. Many wetland areas exist in developing areas of Pike County includingthe many residential subdivisions found here.

To avoid degrading wetlands – resulting in potential violation of environ-mental laws (Chapter 10) – before a property is developed, the landowner shouldhave locations where wetlands exist identified and their boundaries mappedthrough a wetland delineation. Common techniques and tools utilized by pro-fessionals in conducting wetland delineations include the following:

Maps - Although they should not be relied on as the sole source todetermine the presence or absence of wetlands on a parcel of land, County SoilSurveys and National Wetlands Inventory Maps are generally a good place tostart. These large-scale, aerial photo-based maps show approximate locations ofhydric soils, a good indicator of the presence of wetlands. These maps also showsome, but not all wetlands present. Wetland delineations should also include asite inspection to field check mapped locations, to identify smaller, unmappedwetlands and to accurately mark the boundaries of wetlands that are present.

Plant Identification - In the field, wetland delineation professionals

More than 140 species of birdsspend part of their life cycle inPennsylvania’s wetlands, including8 of 13 state endangered or threat-ened species.

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also look for trees, shrubs and ground cover known to grow in wet areas.Among the many types of wetland plants that exist, some more commonexamples include rushes, sedges, cattails, willows, high bush blueberries, cot-tonwood, sycamore and box elder.

Hydric Soils - Hydric soils are soils that are saturated with water forextended periods of time. These soils possess certain characteristics that canbe observed in the field. Wetland delineators dig pits or use core soil samplesto analyze soil coloration, organic material content, drainage characteristicsand depth of water saturation. The resulting information is compared toknown soil characteristics to determine if hydric soils are present.

Wetland Hydrology - To determination if water is present at or nearthe soil surface for a significant portion of the year, the wetland delineatorexamines rainfall data and looks at a site’s topography and plant cover. Clues toperiodic flooding or ponding of water include water-stained or blackened leavesin low spots and watermarks or water-carried debris at the bases of trees.

SummaryOnce regarded as waste-

lands, wetlands are now recognizedfor the numerous benefits they pro-vide for both people and the envi-ronment including supporting awide diversity of plants and wild-life, providing stormwater andflood control, improving waterquality, supporting ecotourism and providing groundwater recharge. Con-serving wetlands, and the many benefits these ecosystems provide, becomesespecially critical in rapidly developing areas such as Pike County.

Wetlands are protected by federal, state and local laws. Commonlyprohibited activities include filling, dredging or draining of wetlands. Otherland use activities, in and around wetlands, require state and/or federal per-mits.

Seek professional advice if you plan any activities on your property inor around wetland areas. Assistance and information is available to deter-mine if wetlands are present on your property through the Pike County Con-servation District, Regional Offices of the PA Department of Environmen-tal Protection, the US Army Corps of Engineers and private consultants. Fora list of private consultants that provide wetland delineations, check yourlocal yellow pages or contact the Pike County Conservation District.

Wetland delineations should alsoinclude a site inspection to fieldcheck mapped locations, to iden-tify smaller, unmapped wetlandsand to accurately mark the bound-aries of wetlands that are present.

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Action Steps for Protecting WetlandsBecause much of Pike County’s wetlands are located on private prop-

erty, it is important that the public participates in wetland conservation.The following are measures that residents can take to prevent wetland deg-radation and loss:

� Identify and take steps to protect wetlands on your prop-erty. Technical assistance can be obtained from the PikeCounty Conservation District, the PA DEP, the US ArmyCorps of Engineers or private consultants experienced inwetland delineation.

� Plan ahead to avoid “encroaching” on wetlands and main-tain buffers around delineated wetland areas to minimizeimpacts when developing or improving a site.

� Support your local community association or munici-pality in any efforts to incorporate wetland protection intocommunity codes, comprehensive plans, and land develop-ment ordinances.

� Support your local land conservancy, watershed groupor community association in efforts to acquire and perma-nently protect wetlands in your community.

� Purchase federal duck stamps from your local post officeto support wetland acquisition nationally.

� Before engaging in any activity that could affect wetlands,check with your local Conservation District.

Resources for More InformationEnvironmental Concern Inc. – Publications on constructing wetlands andselecting and growing wetland plants: www.wetland.org/ecpubs.htm

PA DEP, Wetlands: www.depweb.state.pa.us/dep/site/default.asp. Select“Search” and “Wetlands, Wetlands Report.” Technical and general infor-mation on wetland protection, ecology and management.U.S. EPA, Wetlands Education: www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/education/

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: National Wetlands Inventory and generalinformation on wetlands: wetlands.fws.gov/

U.S.G.S. National Wetlands Research Center: www.nwrc.usgs.gov/

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8. Pond and Lake Ecology and ManagementProtecting Community Water Resourcesby John Jose, Watershed Specialist, Pike County Conservation District

(Adapted from Reflecting on Lakes: A Guide for Watershed Partnerships,a publication of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts)

“We, as adults, have recently begun to realize that the futurewe are building is one in which our children will live.”

~ Lakeline Magazine of the North American Lake Management Society

Pike County’s abundantponds and lakes are a highly val-ued natural resource offering nu-merous recreational opportunities,aesthetic value and critical habitatfor plants and animals, while play-ing a vital role in the Northeast Region’s economy. Many lake-based recre-ational pursuits, including swimming, skiing, boating and fishing, are en-joyed by residents and visitors alike. Lakes figure prominently in the re-gional tourism sector by providing a destination for thousands of visitorsannually, resulting in millions of dollars entering the local economy. Inaddition, property values not only on the lakeshore, but also throughout awatershed, can benefit from a healthy lake.

Lakes, along with adjacent wetlands and forests, provide criticalhabitat areas for a variety of wildlife including several species of birds, rep-tiles and amphibians. Among the high diversity of aquatic plants found inPike County lakes are PA threatened and endangered species.

Lakes can also provide an escape from the stresses of modern life.Last but not least, where suppliesare limited, lakes provide a sourceof water for fighting fires. Takinginto account the numerous ben-efits that lakes and ponds providefor Pike County communities,their conservation for long-termsustainable use becomes essential.

Taking into account the numerousbenefits that lakes and ponds pro-vide for Pike County communities,their conservation for long-term,sustainable use becomes essential.

Residents are finding that PikeCounty’s numerous lake are becom-ing increasingly degraded from theenvironmental impacts of both al-ready existing & continued residen-tial and commercial development.

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White Deer Lake, Blooming Grove Town-ship

How it All StartedOver the past three and half decades, Pike County has remained the

most rapidly developing county in Pennsylvania. By providing a focal pointaround which Pike County’s numerous lake-based communities have grown,the abundance of both naturally occurring and human-made lakes has playeda pivotal role in the history of the County’s development, particularly throughthe 1970s to the present. Many communities have developed to the pointwhere hundreds of homes are now found within the watersheds (Chapter1) surrounding local lakes.

Ironically, residents arefinding that Pike County’s numer-ous lakes, so highly valued by thoserelocating here, are becoming in-creasingly degraded from the en-vironmental impacts of both al-ready existing and continued resi-dential and commercial develop-ment. This deterioration in lakequality comes in the form of de-creased water quality, degradedwildlife and fish habitat, and a loss of lake-based recreational activities.

Predictions that the county’s rapid rate of development will con-tinue provide all the more reason to increase efforts to protect lakes as com-munity resources. This chapter will focus on what residents can do as indi-viduals, and together as a community, to work toward restoring degradedlakes as well as maintaining the quality of healthy lakes.

Lake Ecology: the “In-lake Environment”Understanding lake ecology can be helpful in understanding mea-

sures that need to be taken to protect lakes. The ecological or “in-lake envi-ronment” is influenced by many factors including the following:

• Size, shape and depth of a lake• The volume of water going into and leaving a lake, which

will affect the concentration of nutrients, soil sedimentsand other potential pollutants

• How long it takes for a lake to completely renew itswater volume, which affects nutrient concentrationsand, in turn, aquatic plant growth

• The seasonally occurring stratification or layering of

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Painted turtles are commonly found inlakes that support abundant, aquaticplant growth

water in a lake that results from differences in watertemperature from the top to lake bottom

• The types and density of aquatic plants• The biological productivity of a lake controlled

largely by the availability of plant nutrients

A basic understanding of these ecological factors can be very helpfulin making lake management decisions. However, lake ecology is a complextopic, and space limitations of this publication prohibit a more in-depthdiscussion. Readers interested in increasing their knowledge of lake ecologyare encouraged to utilize the addi-tional resource materials listed at theend of this chapter.

The Lake-Watershed SystemPiecemeal efforts at con-

trolling stormwater runoff, soilsediment pollution, and otherthreats to lake quality, can be finan-cially intensive and are often inef-fective over the long-term becausethey frequently fail to address thelarger picture taken into accountthrough management of a lake ona watershed level. Understanding and incorporating the relationship be-tween a lake and its watershed – the land area draining into a lake – isessential to providing effective, long-term management. So closely relatedare they that it is very useful to look at them as a lake-watershed system.

Indeed, the condition of a lake is largely a reflection of its surround-ing watershed, including the human land use activities taking place there. InPike County, the primary land use activities of concern are residential andcommercial development as well as the daily activities of residents that canaffect lake quality (See Chapter 2, Non-point Source Pollution).

The characteristics of a particular lake-watershed system depend ona number of variables including the ratio of drainage area to lake area, howthe land is used, human population density, climate, soils and vegetation,the presence or absence of wetlands, as well as existing or absent conserva-tion measures. The interplay between these and other variables varies fromregion to region and even from lake to lake.

The importance of the relationship between a lake and its water-

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A lakeside buffer of tallgrass, shrubs, and treesprovides many benefitsincluding interceptingpollutants carried instormwater runoff

shed cannot be overemphasized. The character-istics of a particular lake, and its associated wa-tershed, will become the basis for developingthe most appropriate and effective lake man-agement strategies.

Threats to Pike County Lakes and Ponds:Non-point Source Pollution

While some sources of pollution origi-nating outside of a lake’s watershed are more dif-ficult to control, including atmospheric forms ofpollution such as acid rain, much of the pollu-tion that affects lakes originates from within con-tributing watershed drainage areas. In PikeCounty, this pollution occurs primarily in theform of non-point source pollution (Chapter2).

Ongoing residential and commercial land development creates increas-ing levels of stormwater runoff (Chapter 4), along with the many pollutantscarried in this runoff into lakes, including soil sediment (Chapter 5) from con-struction sites, bacteria and other microorganisms, and petroleum productsfrom automobiles. On-lot sewage treatment systems and leaking undergroundstorage tanks can also impact lake quality when contaminated groundwaterflows beneath the surface and eventually into lakes.

Other Threats to Lakes and PondsRemoval of aquatic plants growing from lake bottoms by

lakeshore homeowners, or as a result of wave action from boats, degradesfish and wildlife habitat and releases soil sediments by removing root sys-tems that hold lake-bottom sediments in place.

Sewage treatment plants, discharging directly to lakes or indirectlythrough releases to streams that feed into lakes, can contribute to lake pol-lution. Whenever feasible, outdated or poorly functioning treatment equip-ment should be repaired or replaced and facilities should be upgraded toinclude more advanced treatment options to further reduce pollutant levelsin treated wastewater.

Residents served by central sewage can contribute to lake protec-tion by avoiding pouring household hazardous wastes (Chapter 2) downhousehold drains. When these wastes reach treatment plants, they can in-hibit the process of decomposition and can also pass through a treatment

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plant and be released to a stream or lake.Clearing of shoreline vegetation removes a naturally occurring

buffering system. If left intact, shoreline vegetation is very effective at stop-ping and absorbing many non-point source pollutants, including excessnutrients and sediment carried in stormwater runoff. Generally, the wider abuffer of shoreline vegetation, the greater the level of protection it provides.

Motorboats, particularly when traveling at high speeds, can churnup lake bottom sediment. Not only can sediment smother fish and am-phibian eggs and clog fish gills, accompanying the release of sediments isthe potential for the release of excess nutrients and toxic substances such as

The Effects of Excess Nutrients in Lake EcosystemsAmong the many forms of non-point source pollution, excess

nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, are often of primaryconcern in lake management. Typically, in sparsely developed watersheds,the existing low levels of these nutrients act as a limiting factor to thegrowth of aquatic plants.

However, excess amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus, releasedwith soil sediments during land development activities and carried instormwater runoff into lakes, can lead to a state of nutrient enrichmentor eutrophication of a lake ecosystem (other sources of these nutrientsinclude eroding stream banks, lawn and garden fertilizers and on-lot sew-age treatment systems). Under these conditions, the growth of aquaticvegetation, no longer inhibited by a lack of nitrogen and phosphorus,can result in nuisance algal blooms and excessive growth of other aquaticplants, which in turn can lead to depleted oxygen supplies for fish andother aquatic life, nuisance issues for recreational pursuits, clogged spill-ways of dams, and aesthetically unappealing lake conditions.

Lake eutrophication is a naturally occurring process. However,excess nutrients released as a result of human activities in a watershedcan greatly accelerate the rate at which this process occurs in local lakesand ponds.

Some lakes will more naturally and more quickly becomeeutrophic. Conditions conducive to eutrophication include shallow wa-ter depths and lakes that were created by flooding wetland areas. Underthese conditions, attempts to control aquatic plant growth often resultin prolonged, financially-intensive efforts. The result is often an uphillbattle as efforts are made to reverse a naturally occurring process.

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heavy metals.Boats also leak fluids and produce exhaust that can contaminate

lakes. This becomes a problem particularly with improperly maintained gaspowered engines. Options for communities include requiring the use ofelectric motors in place of gas-powered motors and enacting speed limitsfor boating activity.

Perspectives in Lake and Pond ConservationConservation efforts are designed to protect natural resources to the

greatest extent possible. This applies to the conservation of Pike County’snumerous lakes and ponds. Both existing and future residential and commer-cial land development will continue to affect these community water resources.However, residents and communities as a whole can work toward sustainingand even improving lake quality to the greatest extent possible.

Along with preventative measures to lessen future impacts to lakes,remedies for existing lake management concerns can often be found. Lakes,however, are complex ecological systems. Efforts to address existing prob-lems can create additional unintended problems and can have unforeseenenvironmental consequences. In addition, when the underlying causes of aparticular problem are not effectively addressed, management of a lake canbecome an ongoing and costly venture.

Getting AssistanceA professional aquatic consultant can provide expertise in identi-

fying the source(s) of problems for a lake and finding effective, environ-mentally-sound solutions. Check your local phone book, the references listedat the end of this chapter or contact the Pike County Conservation Districtfor a list of consultants.

Another source of assistance for community associations is the PADEP Citizens’ Volunteer Monitoring Program (CVMP), which provides

Environmental Regulations for Lake Protection: Lakes, as water re-sources, are protected by law. Community, municipal, state and federalregulations may apply. Before undertaking any activities that involveconstruction adjacent to a lake or any activity that could involve “en-croachment” into a lake or adjacent wetlands, such as modification of orconstruction of docks, building a lakeside structure or installation ofbeaches, check with your local conservation district to find out whatpermits, plans or approvals may be required.

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information and technical support for citizen-based, volunteer lake-moni-toring programs. On-demand programs and lake monitoring training areavailable. (See Resources for More Information at the end of this chapter).

Partnerships in Lake ManagementAnother challenge often encountered by communities and lake man-

agement professionals is meeting the needs of the varied uses that lakes arevalued for, including sport fishing, water skiing, swimming, plant and wild-life habitat and aesthetic values. One of the most effective means to meetingthis challenge is through a cooperative effort that brings all stakeholders,including residents, into the process of developing a lake management plan.Involving all key players in the initial planning stages, and continuing to seekactive participation through implementation of a plan, will help to identifyand avert future conflicts and can be the key to success in lake management.

Community Association Codes and Covenants,Municipal Ordinances and Forestlands Conservation

Through the implementation of restrictions, codes and covenants,community associations have a number of options available in lake protec-tion. An on-lot sewage treatment system inspection and maintenance pro-gram, requirements for setbacks and buffers, not only for lakes, but alsoalong streams that contribute to lakes, and land preservation programs, alongwith numerous options for regulating how building lots are developed, areall considerations for community associations to improve protection of lakes.

In Pennsylvania, municipal governments, through the enactmentof land use regulations designed to protect community water resources, canplay a significant role in conservation of local lakes. Protection of forest-lands can also contribute to long-term conservation of a lake by reducinglevels of non-point source pollution that would otherwise be created byresidential and commercial development within a lake’s contributing wa-tershed. Private land owners, community associations and municipalitiesall have options available to them to conserve forestland in Pike County.See Chapter 11 and Appendix D, Delaware Highlands Conservancy, formore information.

SummaryConservationist Luna Leopold once said, “Water is the most criti-

cal resource issue of our time. The health of our waters is the principlemeasure of how we live on the land.” What Mr. Leopold was referring to isthe direct connection that exists between how we develop and live in our

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watersheds, and what happens to our water resources, including the numer-ous lakes and ponds of Pike County. Ultimately, how well residents, localofficials, conservation organizations, governmental agencies and the devel-opment community recognize and respect this connection will be the legacythey leave behind for future generations that will rely on these water resourcesfor the many benefits they provide, including recreational opportunities, aes-thetic values, plant and wildlife habitat, and regional economic benefits.

Action Steps for Protecting Ponds and Lakes� Get to know your particular lake and not only what ishappening right around the lake, but also throughout the lake’scontributing watershed.

� Voice support for community association efforts in thedevelopment of an overall lake management plan that incor-porates the relationship between a lake and its watershed andprovides a blueprint for long-term management.

� Support the formation of an environmental committeethat can facilitate the development and implementation of alake management plan for your community association. As-sociations that already have an environmental committee canconsider a sub-committee for lake management oversight.

� Join or start a community lake-monitoring program. Theinformation provided by a monitoring program can be veryuseful in assessing current factors affecting lake health, iden-tifying measures that may be required to correct existing prob-lems as well as measuring the effectiveness of future efforts toimprove lake quality.

� Form a partnership among all interested parties. This pro-vides many benefits including combining financial resources,expertise and getting all stakeholders involved.

� Take steps to reduce non-point source pollution (Chapter2), particularly nutrients, as an essential component of anylake protection plan.

� Support community association efforts to implement re-strictions, codes and covenants designed to protect lakes.

� Attend meetings of local municipal officials and voice sup-

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port for any conservation efforts they undertake to benefitcommunity lakes.

� Support wetlands conservation, particularly wetlands ad-jacent to lakes for wildlife species dependent on both types ofhabitat to complete their life cycles. Wetlands also help withthe removal of non-point source pollutants as well as control-ling stormwater runoff and flooding of lakes.

Resources for More InformationConsortium for Scientific Assistance to Watersheds (C-SAW):pa.water.usgs.gov/csaw/. Find information on services provided, eligibilityand a downloadable application for assistance. Comprised of a team of spe-cialists, sponsored by the PA DEP Growing Greener Program, who provideprogram management and scientific technical assistance, including supportfor lake assessment and management initiatives.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Lake Fact Sheets:www.epa.state.il.us/water/conservation-2000/lake-notes/

PA Association of Conservation Districts, Water Pollution Fact Sheets:pacd.org/resources/print.htm

PA DEP, CVMP: www.depweb.state.pa.us/dep/site/default.asp. Select“Search” and “Citizens’ Volunteer Monitoring Program.” A state-sponsoredprogram providing information and technical support for citizen-based,volunteer lake-monitoring programs. CVMP also provides technical assis-tance in lake management to private lake owners, lake managers and orga-nizations (including community associations, resorts, hunting and fishingclubs, and summer camps). For more information telephone: 1-717-772-5651.

PA Lake Management Society, Fact Sheets:www.palakes.org/publications.htm

Penn State Cooperative Extension and PA Fish and Boat Commission, PondManagement: www.sfr.cas.psu.edu/water/pond%20management.htm

US EPA, Monitoring and Assessing Water Quality: www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/

US EPA, Watershed Academy Web, on-line training in watershed manage-ment: www.epa.gov/watertrain/

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9. Streams and RiversWhere People, Land and Water Meetby Susan Beecher, District Manager, Pike County Conservation District

“Water has a voice. It carries a message that tells those downstream who you areand how you care for the land.” ~ Bernie McGurl, Lackawanna River Association

Throughout history, people have settled near waterways and PikeCounty is no exception. Rivers and streams are among the most impor-tant natural resources in the re-gion. A network of waterways,from the smallest of headwaterstreams to the mighty DelawareRiver, grace the watersheds ofPike County, supporting a grow-ing human population and a di-verse array of fish and wildlife,and providing scenic beauty and countless opportunities for recreation.Local streams and the fish and other aquatic life they support are alsobarometers of the health of the lands they travel through.

The Changing Character of StreamsStreams are dynamic sys-

tems, constantly changing andinteracting with the landscape.The way streams look and behavedepends on the geology and cli-mate of a region. Headwaterstreams, which occur at the high-est elevations of a watershed,tend to comprise the majority ofstream miles in a watershed.Streams can also be defined bytheir flow characteristics. Perennial streams have year-round flow. In-termittent streams have seasonal flow which may disappear during drierperiods of the year. Flow in an ephemeral stream generally occurs onlyduring or immediately after rainfall events. All of these streams, regard-less of whether they have year-round flow, are important to maintaining

It is the nature of streams tochange course, adjusting theirchannels and banks in response tonatural or human-made changes.Unfortunately, it is also the natureof people living near streams totry to stop or alter these processes.

The Lackawaxen River

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On left, vegetation has been removed, in-creasing the risk of flooding and jeopar-dizing stream health. On right, intactbuffer of trees and shrubs aids in reducingflooding and is essential to protecting thisstream and the aquatic life it supports.

both the hydrologic and the ecological balance of our watersheds.It is the nature of streams to change course, adjusting their channels

and banks in response to natural or human-made changes. The bottom orbeds of streams are scoured during floods, channels move, floodplains areinundated, cross sections change, new gravel bars, riffles and pools are formed,banks erode and debris is constantly removed and redeposited. These are allnatural processes associated with flowing waters.

Unfortunately, it is also the nature of people living near streams totry to interfere with these processes. Since many Pike County stream andriver shorelines are privately owned, streamside property owners have a keyrole to play in the health of these resources both now and in the future.Understanding the dynamics of streams and rivers will help us to reduce theproblems that may occur where land (and people) and water meet.

While streams are considered ecosystems within themselves theyare also part of a “landscape continuum.” What happens on the land hasprofound effects on streams. As watershed lands are developed, flow pat-terns are changed, native forest vegetation is removed and more areas arecovered by rooftops, parking lots, roads and other impervious surfaces.Impacts associated with these human-made changes include stream bankerosion and channel changes, increased pollutant loading, stream warmingand reduced diversity of aquatic life.

Riparian Buffers & Floodplains:Nature’s Safety Net

Floodplains are lowlandareas adjacent to streams and riv-ers that are susceptible to inunda-tion by water during floods. The“100-year” floodplain is com-monly referred to and includes thearea that would be inundated bya flood having a 1% chance of oc-curring in any given year. A “100-year” flood can occur during anygiven year if conditions are right.

Floodplains often containwetlands and other areas vital to adiverse and healthy stream ecosys-tem. The floodway is a part of the larger floodplain, and includes the stream

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channel and portions of the adjoining floodplain land that must be pre-served in order to allow the discharge of the base flood without increasingflood heights more than a designated amount. By regulation in Pennsylva-nia, the floodway, in areas that do not have detailed floodplain mapping(this includes most streams in Pike County), is assumed, absent evidence tothe contrary, to extend 50 feet back from the top of bank on both sides ofthe stream.

Floodplains perform a variety of functions and in the process provevaluable to both humans and fish and wildlife species. Important functionsof stream floodplains include: flood water storage, water quality mainte-nance, erosion control, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreation/open space.What happens in a floodplain can have negative impacts both within aproperty as well as in areas located upstream or downstream.

What happens when human activities interfere with floodplains?Removing vegetation, compacting soil and placing fill or structures in flood-plains all have the potential to diminish the flow capacity of floodplains,increase flow velocities in streams and raise flood levels so that areas for-merly not at risk become endangered. Patterns of flow may also change,potentially increasing erosion and damaging infrastructure and streamsideproperties.

The ability of floodplains to carry and store floodwaters shouldbe preserved and respected. By adapting our activities to the natural phe-nomenon of flooding, rather than trying to control floodwaters, we canmaintain the invaluable services provided by floodplains, reduce infrastruc-ture and property damage, protect critical natural and cultural resourcesand promote sustainable development of our communities.

A riparian buffer is a streamside area of trees, shrubs and other veg-etation that serves as a transition zone between water and human land use.Forested areas are the most beneficial type of buffer because they most effec-tively slow and filter surface runoff, protect banks, provide shade, controltemperature, and provide food and habitat for many aquatic and terrestrialspecies of wildlife. Streams whose banks are protected by a network of woodyvegetation can also better accommodate the normal stresses of flooding,changes in flow patterns and other results of human activities on the land.

How Buffers Work to Protect Streams:Sediment Filter - Riparian buffer soils and vegetation help catch, settle andfilter out sediment and debris from surface runoff.Pollution Filter, Transformer, and Sink - The riparian buffer traps pollut-ants such as phosphorus and nitrogen that could otherwise wash into streams.

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Chemical and biological ac-tivity in the soil, particularlyof streamside forests, cancapture and transform nitro-gen and other pollutants intoless harmful forms. Thesebuffers also act as a sinkwhen nutrients and excesswater are taken up by rootsystems and stored in the biomass of trees.Stream Flow Regulator - By slowing the velocity of runoff, the riparianbuffer allows water to slowly infiltrate the soil and recharge the groundwa-ter supply. This helps control flooding and maintains stream flow duringthe driest times of the year.Bank Stabilizer - Riparian buffer vegetation helps to stabilize streambanksand reduce erosion. Roots hold bank soil together, and stems protect banksby deflecting the cutting action of waves, ice, boat wakes, and stormwaterrunoff.Bed Stabilizer - Riparian buffers can also reduce the amount of streambedscour by absorbing surface water runoff and slowing water velocity. Whenplant cover is removed, more surface water reaches the stream, causing thewater to crest higher during storms or snowmelt. Stronger flow can scourstreambeds, impacting aquatic life.Wildlife Habitat - The distinctive habitat offered by riparian buffers ishome to a multitude of plant and animal species, including those rarelyfound outside this narrow band of land influenced by the river. Continuousstretches of riparian buffer also serve as wildlife travel corridors.Aquatic Habitat - Forested riparian buffers benefit aquatic habitat by im-proving the quality of nearby waters through shading, filtering, and moder-ating stream flow. Shade in summer maintains cooler, more even tempera-tures, especially on small streams. Cooler water holds more oxygen andreduces stress on fish and other aquatic creatures. A few degrees differencein temperature can have a major effect on their survival. Woody debrisfeeds the aquatic food web. It also can create stepped pools, providing coverfor fish and their food supply while reducing erosion by slowing flow.Recreation and Aesthetics - Forested buffers are especially valuable in pro-viding a green screen along waterways, blocking views of nearby develop-ment, and allowing privacy for river front landowners. Buffers can also pro-vide such recreational opportunities as hiking trails and camping.

Benefits of Forested Riparian Buffers

• Water Quality Protection• Erosion Control• Flood Protection• Stormwater Management• Temperature Moderation• Wildlife Habitat• Recreational Greenways

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How Big Should a Buffer Be?There is no “one-size-fits-all” width for the ideal riparian buffer

that will keep water clean, stabilize banks, protect fish and wildlife andsatisfy human demands on the land. Many factors play a role, includingslope, soil and vegetation types, floodplain, surrounding land uses, water-shed area and what functions thebuffer is expected to perform.

A basic buffer of 50' fromthe top of both stream banks mayprovide protection against bankerosion, but a wider buffer (100 feet or more) is generally recommended tofilter nutrients and provide flood control. If fish and wildlife populationsare considered, even wider buffers of 300 to 600 feet may be necessary forhabitat and movement corridors. As a rule, you get more benefits with everyfoot of buffer, and wider buffers are needed in areas of steep slopes, intensiveland use or along larger streams and rivers that drain large land areas.

Natural riparian buffers have been lost in many places over the years.Fortunately, many streams in Pike County watersheds still have at least aportion of these protective buffer zones intact. This is one of the primaryreasons that many of the County’s waterways are classified by the PA De-partment of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) as High Quality or Ex-ceptional Value, with an abundance of desirable fish species and other aquaticorganisms and the habitats and water quality necessary to support them.

The 2005 PA Fish & Boat Commission’s List of Streams Support-ing Wild Trout (naturally reproducing trout populations) had 37 listingsfor Pike County. In addition, some of Pike County’s streams are designatedin the County Natural Areas Inventory as important Waterfall andPlungepool Communities and High-gradient Clearwater Creeks thatsupport rare plant and/or animal species.

However, in the next decades, Pike is expected to absorb thousandsof new residents, which in turn will result in the development of thousandsof acres of land for residential and commercial purposes. Riparian forestbuffers are perhaps the simplest and the single most important means forprotecting our water resources in the face of this growth.

Tracking the Health of Pike County StreamsIn 1987, in the face of rapidly increasing residential and commercial

development and concerns over potential impacts from this development,the Pike County Conservation District initiated a stream-based water quality

Forests provide as much as 40times the water storage of acropped field, and 15 times thatof grass turf.

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“Pollution sensitive” aquatic insects:Stonefly and mayfly nymph and larvae ofwater penny and caddis fly. Their pres-ence and relative abundance in a streamprovides an excellent indicator of waterquality and stream habitat conditions.

monitoring program. Since 1991 the District’s program has included sam-pling at the mouths of the County’s 18 major watersheds, sites above andbelow the discharges of up to 20 wastewater treatment plants and a numberof other sites in watersheds to measure non-point source pollution impactsfrom various land uses throughout the County. The monitoring programincludes sampling for physical (air and water temperature), chemical (pH,dissolved oxygen, etc.) and biological (aquatic insect and fish) parameters.

What Insects and Fish Tell UsAbout Streams

Aquatic insects that inhabitstreams are good biological indica-tors of stream health and waterquality. They represent importantlinks in the food chain as recyclersof nutrients and food for fish. Be-cause they are relatively sedentaryresidents of stream bottoms theseinsects can be affected over theshort-term by even subtle changesin stream habitat or pollutant lev-els. There are many types of aquaticinsects, each with specific require-ments for survival. Some are veryintolerant of pollution, while oth-ers are quite tolerant. The abun-dance and diversity of these insects,including the presence or absenceof species that are tolerant and in-tolerant to water pollution, providesan indication of overall streamhealth.

Fish are also good “bio-in-dicators” of longer-term water qual-ity and habitat conditions because they are relatively long-lived. In addi-tion, the environmental requirements of most fish, including pollution tol-erance, are well known. Fish are also sensitive to changes in water tempera-ture, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and food sources. External deformities ob-served on fish, such as tumors or ulcers, can indicate stress resulting from

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chemical pollutants.Over the years, the monitoring data collected, has been used by the

Conservation District, PA DEP, the Delaware River Basin Commission, PAFish & Boat Commission, National Park Service and others to highlightPike County’s high quality water resources, to support stream classifica-tions and other conservation initiatives and to address ecological and publichealth issues related to wastewater treatment facilities in the County. Thedata provides an excellent representation of the condition of the County’sState-designated High Quality and Exceptional Value streams, reflectingnot only the condition of stream habitat and water quality but also theoverall health of the County’s watersheds.

SummaryStreams and rivers are unique cultural and ecological resources that

figure prominently in the history of Pike County. The streams of Pike County’smajor watersheds are all designated as High Quality and Exceptional Valuewater resources by the PA DEP. These streams, whether they run year-roundor seasonally, are protected under local, state and federal laws.

Human activities, whether in or adjacent to streams, can negativelyimpact streams and the aquatic life they support and can result in damage topersonal and public property. Very important to stream health are the landuse activities that occur throughout a watershed and the conservation prac-tices of residents. Avoiding encroaching on streams and maintaining stream-side buffers are two important measures that residents can take to protectPike County streams and the many benefits these waterways provide.

Streams and the aquatic life they support act as barometers of thehealth of a watershed, reflecting not only the land use activities taking placebut also the manner in which those land use activities are happening and theland use regulations in place to guide them. Streams are also communityresources providing aesthetic value and recreational opportunities. Effectivelong-term conservation of the streams of Pike County’s watersheds dependsin large part on the willingness of residents to practice watershed stewardshipmeasures to protect these valuable, yet highly vulnerable, natural resources.

Action Steps for Stream and River Protection� Maintain or replant a riparian or streamside buffer oftrees and shrubs to capture non-point source pollutants instormwater runoff, stabilize stream banks and provide shade.

� Respect floodplain areas – avoid placing roads, struc-

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tures, rubbish and storing personal property in areas adja-cent to streams.

� Prior to doing any work in or adjacent to streams, checkto make sure any required local, state and federal permitshave been obtained.

� Support municipal officials in the adoption of ordinancesfor requirements for buffers and setbacks and other ordi-nances designed to protect streams.

� Avoid mowing down to the edge of streams.

� Keep horses and other livestock away from stream banksand out of stream channels.

� Keep yard waste off of stream banks and out of streams.

Resources for More InformationPike County Conservation District: www.pikeconservation.org

PA DEP, Restoring and Conserving Stream Buffers:www.depweb.state.pa.us/dep/site/default.asp. Select “Search” and “StreamReleaf.”

U.S. EPA: Water Quality Monitoring: www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/volunteer/

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10. Understanding Environmental RegulationsPlaying by the Rules to Protect Pike County’s Natural Resourcesby Will Whitehead, Resource Conservationist and Susan Beecher,District Manager, Pike County Conservation District

“The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to thepreservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic valuesof the environment. Pennsylvania’s public natural resources arethe common property of all the people, including generations yetto come. As trustees of these resources, the Commonwealth shallconserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”

~ Pennsylvania Constitution – Section 27, Article 1

Environmental regulations are designed to protect natural resourcesand the people and other life that depend on those resources. Environmentalregulations also help to safeguard personal property and financial investmentand provide numerous other economic benefits to individuals and commu-nities.

Environmental regulations are sometimes misunderstood in their in-tent or criticized as being over burdensome and infringing on individual rights.In addition, environmental regulations do not always provide the level ofprotection they are intended to. While they may not be perfect in their in-tended purpose and are often subject to controversy, environmental regula-tions do serve a critical purpose: protection of the natural resources – air,water, soil, forests, fish and wildlife – that support people, communities, eco-nomic well-being, and the quality of life enjoyed by Pike County residents.

This chapter will not cover all existing environmental regulations norall the land use activities with the potential for environmental impact, occur-ring in Pike County. Instead, the reader will be introduced to the local, stateand federal regulatory frameworks designed to guide and minimize the im-pacts of the more commonly occurring land use activities (residential andcommercial development, stone quarrying, timber harvesting, road buildingand maintenance, sewage waste processing and disposal, etc.).

Having a basic understanding of the environmental regulations de-scribed here will benefit residents as these regulations may require permits,plans or approvals that can apply to both small projects around the home aswell as larger land development projects, such as residential subdivisions.More information on environmental regulations, along with downloadableforms, is available on the Pike County Conservation District web site:www.pikeconservation.org.

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Use of this GuideThis Guide is only for use in developing Erosion & Sediment (E&S) Control Plans for small projects that meet thefollowing criteria:

� Slopes do not exceed a 10% grade� There are no surface waters in close proximity to the proposed project� Erosion control practices being used do not require calculations� Total area of disturbance is less than 1 acre

This Guide may also be used to develop E&S Control Plans when the landowner is submitting a Chapter 105 GeneralPermit for acknowledgement. In addition, check with your municipality to determine if any local ordinance provi-sions or permit requirements apply to your project.

Please Note: This Guide is not appropriate for every project! Your project must meet the criteria listed above inorder to use this Guide to develop your E&S Control Plan. For larger, more complex projects, a detailed Erosion andSedimentation Pollution Control Manual is available through the Conservation District. Check your yellow pagesfor engineers or other consultants that can assist in developing E&S Control Plans. Contact the Pike County Conser-vation District if you are unsure of the suitability of this Guide for your project. Telephone: 570-226-8220.

Erosion and Sedimentation is a Serious Pollution ProblemSoil sediment is the number one pollutant to Pennsylvania’s water resources. Sediment reduces water quality, de-grades aquatic habitats killing fish and other aquatic life, and increases the frequency and intensity of floodingevents. Any activity that disturbs the surface of the land can cause erosion and sedimentation. Completing andproperly implementing an E&S Control Plan for your earth disturbance project will help protect Pike County’s soiland water resources as well as the County’s economic sustainability and quality of life.

State and Federal Regulations Require E&S Control PlansTo address the problem of sediment pollution, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of EnvironmentalProtection (DEP), adopted Chapter 102, Erosion and Sediment Control Rules and Regulations. Chapter 102 requirespersons proposing or conducting earth disturbance activities to develop, implement and maintain Best ManagementPractices to minimize the potential for accelerated erosion and sedimentation. A written E&S Control Plan isrequired for all earth disturbance activities with the potential for discharge to waters classified as “High Quality” or“Exceptional Value” waters (which includes most of Pike County). In addition, the E&S Plan must be available atthe project site during all stages of the earth disturbance activity. The Plan must be submitted to the ConservationDistrict for review if required by the local municipality (or, in some cases, a Community Association) or requestedby the Conservation District. Both landowners and contractors may be held responsible for any violation(s) of Chap-ter 102 regulations.

A Note about Streams, Floodways, Wetlands & Other Bodies of Water:Any encroachment on any watercourse, floodway, or body of water without the appropriate federal and statepermits is strictly prohibited by the Federal Clean Water Act, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s DamSafety and Encroachments Act, The Clean Streams Law and Chapter 105 rules and regulations. In addition,some local municipalities have setbacks and other ordinance provisions related to water resources that maybe applicable to certain land development activities. Plan ahead to avoid these areas or inquire about permitand other requirements well BEFORE beginning your project.

Pike County Conservation District

Erosion & Sediment Control Guidelines for Small Projects

Guide for developing E&S Plansfor small projects available at thePike County Conservation District

I. Chapter 102 and 105 and Chapter 92 NPDES PermitsEarth Disturbance Activities Large and SmallPA Code Title 25 - Chapter 102 - Erosion & Sediment Control

Earth disturbance activity – defined as “a construction or other humanactivity which disturbs the surface of the land…” – removes living vegeta-tion, including trees, shrubs, flowering plants and grasses, as well as leaflitter, from forest floors. Stormwater runoff (Chapter 4) can pick up andcarry exposed soil from disturbed areas to streams, wetlands or lakes result-ing in pollution of these surface waters.

• Purpose of Chapter 102: To minimize the release ofsediment-laden stormwater runoff from earthdisturbance sites during construction in order toprotect and maintain water quality

• Chapter 102 requires that an Erosion & SedimentControl Plan (E&S Plan) (Chapter 5) be developed,implemented and available on-site at all times duringearth disturbance activities

Examples of Earth Disturbance Activities Requiring an E&S Plan• Construction of individual

houses, driveways andon-lot sewage systems

• General, large-scale landdevelopment activities

• Clearing areas and grub-bing (removing tree roots)

• Moving and stockpilingsoil, rock or otherearth materials

• Excavations (removingdirt) and grading (distrib-uting dirt over a site)

• Timber harvesting includ-ing developing trails andlogging roads

• Road maintenance includ-ing grading dirt and gravelroads, ditches and drainpipes

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For small-scale earth disturbance activities on low-risk sites (siteswhere pollution of surface waters from soil erosion is unlikely), a hand-drawnE&S Plan, prepared by the landowner or contractor, is often all that is nec-essary. The Conservation District is available to provide technical assistancefor these plans and can also provide an Erosion Control Guidelines forSmall Projects booklet, a step-by-step guide for creating an E&S Plan.

Larger more complex projects, such as residential subdivisions orcommercial developments, typically require more technical information andthe design expertise of an engineer or other professional to create an E&SPlan. The PA Department of Environmental Protection’s Erosion and Sedi-ment Pollution Control Program Manual, with more detailed guidancefor the preparation of more complex E&S Plans, is available in both paperand digital format at your local conservation district.

For more information or for assistance in determining if a Chapter 102plan is required for a project, contact:

Pike County Conservation DistrictTelephone: 570-226-8220Email: pikecd@pikepa.org

Discharges to Surface WatersPA Code Title 25 - Chapter 92 & the Federal Clean Water Act –National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Per-mitting, Monitoring & ComplianceAn NPDES permit for stormwater (Chapter 4) discharges from con-

struction activities requires the implementation of practices to minimizestormwater impacts to surface waters, both during and after construction iscompleted. The Pike County Conservation District and PA DEP share re-sponsibility for reviewing applications for NPDES Permits for stormwaterdischarges. Other types of NPDES permits, such as those involving sewagedischarges, are handled exclusively by DEP.

• Purpose of NPDES permits: Regulation of different types ofpollutant discharges to surface waters & pollution prevention

• Chapter 92 sets requirements for publishing public notices ofall NPDES permit applications submitted to PA DEP,allowing for public comment periods and providing notice ofand holding public hearings on permit applications

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Examples of Activities that Require NPDES Permits:• Stormwater discharges from construction activities where

five acres or more is disturbed over the life of a project• Stormwater discharges from construction activities where

earth disturbance is between 1 and 5 acres and whichhave a point source discharge (Chapter 2) to Waters ofthe Commonwealth (streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, wet-lands, reservoirs, canals, stormwater ditches, etc.)

• Discharge of treated sewage effluent from a wastewatertreatment plant

• Industrial discharges

For more information or for assistance in determining if an NPDES permitis required for a project, contact:

Pike County Conservation DistrictTelephone: 570-226-8220Email: pikecd@pikepa.orgorPA DEP Northeast Regional OfficeTelephone: 570-826-2511

Work In or Around Waterways (Ponds, Lakes, Riversand Streams) and Wetlands

PA Code Title 25 - Chapter 105 - Dam Safetyand Waterways ManagementLand development activities that “encroach” on surface waters can

degrade habitat, impacting aquatic life and causing or aggravating flooding,resulting in property and infrastructure damage. Land use activities thatinvolve disturbance of areas adjacent to surface waters or activities that in-volve crossing or entering surface waters, are regulated under Chapter 105.

• Purpose of Chapter 105: To assure the proper design,construction and maintenance of dams, reservoirs, waterobstructions (e.g. structures including bridges and cul-verts) and encroachments (e.g. placing fill in floodwaysor excavating in wetlands); to protect public health, safety,welfare and property and to conserve and protect streams

• Chapter 105 regulates the building of structures and ac-tivities that take place in, along or across, or projectinginto a watercourse (streams, creeks, seasonal drainages),

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floodways (areas adjacent to streams), or bodies of water(including ponds, lakes, swamps, bogs, etc.)

Examples of Activities that May Require a Chapter 105 Permit• Installing a road across a stream (even a seasonally dry

stream) using culvert pipe(s).• Building a bridge, including foot bridges, across a stream• Repairing eroded stream banks with rock, fill dirt or other

material• Removing gravel deposits from streams• Building a retaining wall along the edge of a stream

or pond• Crossing a stream with a utility line (such as water, natural

gas or sewer lines).• Installing a road across a wetland using fill or pipes or a

combination of both• Building a foot path or boardwalk through wetlands• Extending a lawn or filling in low spots within 50 feet

of a stream• Placing fill in wet areas• Building a ditch to drain a wet area• Dredging a pond or lake• Installing a boat ramp or dock• Creating a sand beach area• Building or repairing a dam

The cost, complexity and time frame for obtaining a permit underChapter 105 depends on the size, scope and potential environmental impactof a project. The Pike County Conservation District administers PA De-partment of Environmental Protection (DEP) Chapter 105 General Per-mits for relatively simple projects that generally have minimal adverse envi-ronmental impacts when properly constructed. There is currently no fee fora permit, the forms are fairly simple and review time is relatively short.

More complex projects or projects that have the potential for greaterenvironmental impact and do not fall within one of the Chapter 105 Gen-eral Permit categories require a higher level Individual Permit. Most oftenthe services of a professional consultant are enlisted to conduct the more in-depth environmental assessments and design requirements of IndividualPermits. The PA DEP administers these permits.

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Federal permits are required for many of the activities listed above.In many cases, state and federal agencies coordinate permit application re-views. However, there are activities that require separate federal authoriza-tion from the US Army Corps of Engineers. Authorization from other agen-cies, such as PA Fish and Boat Commission or the U.S. Fish and Wildlifemay also be required depending on the scope of your project. Your localconservation district is a good first point of contact to determine if a Chap-ter 105 permit is required for a project.

For more information or for assistance in determining if a Chapter 105permit is required for a project, contact:

Pike County Conservation DistrictTelephone: 570-226-8220Email: pikecd@pikepa.org

II. Additional PA Regulatory Programs for Water Resource ProtectionWork In or Around Waterways - PA Fish & Boat Commission

PA Code Title 58, Part II

Examples of Activities that May Require Permits underPA Code Title 58, Part II

• Drawing down water levels of lakes or pondsinhabited by fish

• Removal, breach or disturbance of a dam or similardevice in waters inhabited by fish

• Application of algaecides, herbicides or fish controlchemicals to surface waters

• Alteration or disturbance of a stream, streambed, fishhabitat, water or watershed in any manner that mightcause damage to fish

• Allowing any substance deleterious to fish to entersurface waters

For more information or for assistance in determining if a PA Code Title58, Part II permit is required for a project, contact:

PA Fish and Boat CommissionNortheast Regional OfficeTelephone: 570-477-5717

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PA Code Title 25 - Chapter 93 - Water Quality Standards

• These regulations require maintenance and protection ofexisting water quality for Special Protection Waters (HighQuality and Exceptional Value).

• Chapter 93 standards affect state permitting of activi-ties with the potential to impact water resources. Gen-erally, requirements are more stringent for discharges toHigh Quality and Exceptional Value water resources.

• These regulations are very applicable in Pike County, asnearly all of the water resources in the county are desig-nated either High Quality or Exceptional Value by thePA DEP.

Refer to the list of activities listed above in the section on NPDES dischargepermits, for activities that Chapter 93 applies to.

For more information or for assistance in determining if PA Code Title 25,Chapter 93 Standards apply to a project, contact:

Pike County Conservation DistrictTelephone: 570-226-8220orPA DEP Northeast Regional OfficeTelephone: 570-826-2511

Extraction (Mining) of Sand, Gravel, Rock and other MaterialsPA Code Title 25 - Chapter 77 – Non-coal Mining

• Purpose: Regulation, permitting, licensing, monitoringof non-coal surface mining activities and operators.

Examples of Activities that May Require Mining Permits

• Excavation/removal of minerals from the earth includ-ing: sand and gravel, rock and stone (including blue-stone), earth fill, slag, vermiculite and clay

There are various exceptions to the requirements for mining permits for theextraction of minerals by a private landowner for the landowner’s own non-commercial use and for the extraction of minerals from a building con-struction excavation site under certain circumstances.

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For more information or for assistance in determining if a mining permit isrequired for a projerct, contact:

PA DEP Bureau of Mining and ReclamationPottsville District Mining OfficeTelephone: 570-621-3118

Local Municipal Land Use and Building Regulations, Zoning,Subdivision & Land Development Ordinances, BuildingPermit Requirements, etc.

Land use regulations in ef-fect in Pike County municipalitiesmay apply to the land use activitiesdiscussed in this chapter. Before be-ginning a project, check with themunicipality (Appendix B) wherea project will take place to find outwhat regulations may apply.

SummaryBeing aware of and abiding by municipal, state and federal environ-

mental regulations is important for several reasons. These rules help PikeCounty to “grow smarter,” balancing development with protection of envi-ronmental and community resources. Understanding and following theseregulations also helps to protect financial investment in personal propertyand helps to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of Pike County com-munities. And finally, failure to pay attention to these regulations, whetherdone knowingly or not, can delay project construction significantly andsubject landowners and/or contractors to fines or other penalties. When indoubt about permit requirements for a particular project, it’s best to askquestions before you begin. The Pike County Conservation District is agood place to start.

Action Steps for Protecting Natural Resources Through Compliancewith Environmental Regulations

� Before beginning a project, check with your Conserva-tion District and your local municipality to determinewhat plans, approvals and permits may be required.

� To avoid unnecessary delays, begin the process of deter-mining what a project will require and obtaining per-mits, well in advance of an anticipated start date.

A good rule of thumb: When indoubt about permit require-

ments for a particular project,Ask Questions Before You

Begin! The Pike County Conserva-

tion District is a good place tostart: 570-226-8220

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� For large projects, hold a pre-application meeting withyour local conservation district before project plans aredrawn-up.

� Report environmental emergencies and problems(Refer to Appendix G for agency contact information).

Resources for More InformationPike County Conservation District: www.pikeconservation.org, select “Re-sources/Services”

PA DEP, Chapter 105 Forms and Permits:http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/efacts/generalpermitslisting.htm

PA Fish and Boat Commission, Environmental Services:sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/environ.htm

PA DEP, Stormwater Management: www.depweb.state.pa.us/dep/site/default.asp. Select “Search” and “Stormwater Management.”

PA DEP, Bureau of Waterways Engineering: www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/WE/We.htm, select “Dam Safety”

PA DEP, List of General Permits: www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/efacts/generalpermitslisting.htm

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11. Smart GrowthStrategies for Creating Viable, EnvironmentallySustainable Communitiesby Susan Beecher, District Manager, Pike County Conservation District

“Smart growth helps communities shape the future.With appropriate planning, local governments canmake land use control and development decisionsthat will improve their communities’ overall qualityof life by protecting the best of their unique economic, political, social and environmental characteristics.”

- Javier Gonzales, President, National Association of Counties

Pike County owes its economic and social well being to the scenicbeauty and natural resources that attract people and businesses and providequality of life to residents and visitors: clean and abundant water resources,clean air, intact forests, abundant wildlife, scenic vistas, readily accessiblepublic recreational lands and natural areas. In the next decade and beyond,Pike and other counties in the Northeast region will absorb thousands ofnew residents. Efforts to accommodate this growth, while protecting theCounty’s natural resources, could be greatly enhanced by proactively plan-ning and implementing sustain-able, community-oriented patternsof growth and development.

Sprawl HurtsGrowth may be inevitable,

but sprawl doesn’t have to be.Sprawl can be defined as scattered,poorly planned development, suchas large-lot subdivisions, spreadingacross rural areas and commercialstrips along roadways. Sprawl isgenerally associated with rapid con-sumption of open space, primefarmland, forests, historic sites, andscenic landscapes accompanied bya loss of distinctive communitycharacter and quality of life.

We All Pay for Sprawl

A 2000 study on The Costs of Sprawlin Pennsylvania by Clarion Associates,Inc. for the 10,000 Friends of Penn-sylvania found that sprawl:• Consumes natural areas, agri-

cultural lands and open spaces• Increases air & water pollution• Increases the costs of roads,

housing, school and utilities• Increases the costs of

transportation• Concentrates poverty and

accelerates socio-economicdecline in cities, towns andolder suburbs

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Environmental Impacts of SprawlThe increasing number of

environmental challenges PikeCounty residents are faced with –water pollution, loss of streamsideforests, wetlands and floodplain en-croachment, stormwater and flooddamage, habitat fragmentation,and wildlife conflicts – is in part dueto the way in which land has beendeveloped over the last decade.Sprawling land development pat-terns and the resulting loss of openspace impact the environment inmultiple ways. Not only do we losethe natural landscape features wevalue – stream corridors, forests,wetlands, etc. – we also lose the es-sential functions and values thatthese features provide: stormwaterrunoff control, pollutant filtration,groundwater recharge, flood miti-gation and storage, wildlife habitat,recreational and scenic values, toname just a few.

Can We Grow Smarter?Smart growth strategies are helping communities throughout the

country to plan for and accommodate growth in ways that meet both eco-nomic and environmental needs. Smart growth strategies help many com-munities face concerns about the impacts of sprawling development pat-terns including environmental degradation, dwindling open space, longcommutes, spotty or stagnant economic development and the loss of com-munity character.

Smart growth strategies provide local governments, communitygroups, lenders, developers, transportation officials and state governments,faced with the pressing challenges of growth, with alternative approaches toland development that provide for the long-term preservation and enhance-ment of communities. While there is no “one size fits all” solution, there are

Smart Growth Principles

• Mix land uses• Take advantage of

compact building design• Create a range of housing

opportunities and choices• Create walkable neighborhoods• Foster distinctive, attractive

communities with a strongsense of place

• Preserve open space, farmland,natural beauty and criticalenvironmental areas

• Strengthen and direct devel-opment towards existingcommunities

• Provide a variety of transpor-tation choices

• Make development decisionspredictable, fair andcost-effective

• Encourage community andstakeholder collaboration indevelopment decisions

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Some Elements ofComprehensive Plans

• Statement of communitydevelopment objectives

• Plan for land use• Plan to meet housing needs• Transportation Plan• Plan for community

facilities and utilities• Plan for protection of

natural and historic resources• Plan for the reliable supply

of water• Short and long-range

implementation strategies

a number of planning practices, techniques and options available to localgovernment officials that have been used successfully in a variety of urban,suburban and rural settings in Pennsylvania and across the country.

Tools for Smart Growth Comprehensive PlanningA comprehensive plan, also known as a “master plan,” is the basic

foundation for local planning, providing a blueprint of a community’s visionand priorities and establishing reason-able goals for conservation and de-velopment. Comprehensive plansmay be developed on the county,township or borough level. The mosteffective comprehensive plans are de-veloped with broad-based citizen par-ticipation and updated regularly toreflect the values and goals of the gen-eral public. Comprehensive plans in-clude an inventory of what currentlyexists in a community and whatgrowth in population and changes inland use can be expected to occur overthe next 5 to 10 year period.

Land Use RegulationsIn the process of enacting

land use regulations to guide growth and development in their communi-ties, well-meaning local officials may inadvertently encourage the sprawlingland use patterns they are seeking to avoid. To address this problem and turnthe tables on sprawl, zoning regulations may need to be modified to mandateor at least encourage and allow Conservation Design principles to be incor-porated into land development projects.

In addition, overlay districts can be created to protect important re-source areas such as stream corridors, floodplains, wetlands and steep slopes.Subdivision/land development ordinances can also be used to ensure incorpo-ration of conservation design strategies early in the planning process. A detailedsite analysis and identification of natural features to be protected is most usefulif created before the location of lots, roads, buildings, etc. are established.

Stormwater Management PlanningNatural landscapes, such as forests, fields and wetlands, absorb rain

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Conservation Design subdivisions conserve open space and commu-nity natural resources for the benefit of residents. Reprinted with per-mission of the Natural Lands Trust, Inc.

water and snowmelt, allowing them to slowly filter into the ground. As moreand more land becomes covered with impervious surfaces, such as roads, park-ing lots and buildings, precipitation does not percolate into the ground, butinstead runs off the surface quickly and in large quantities. Such acceleratedrunoff, resulting from development throughout a watershed, increases flood-ing and streambank erosion, carries pollutants to surface and groundwater andreduces groundwater recharge, essential to drinking water supplies and streamflows. Studies have shown a direct relationship between impervious cover andwater quality; as impervious surfaces increase, water quality declines.

County and municipal governments can develop and carry outStormwater Management Plans, which focus on reducing stormwater im-pacts in a particular watershed. Successful stormwater management strategiesinclude those that maintain natural vegetation and drainage patterns, mini-mize impervious cover, promote infiltration and groundwater recharge andprotect water quality.

Regional CooperationIn Pennsylvania, in the absence of joint planning, every municipal-

ity must provide for every type of land use within municipal boundaries.This mandate is widely acknowledged as contributing to duplicative devel-opment and land consumption. Local governments wrestle with a variety ofissues - including water resources planning and protection - that extendbeyond their municipal boundaries.

In addition, the water resources of a watershed do not recognize the

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Cooperative, multi-municipal plan-ning efforts provide a logical andhighly effective means of protect-ing community water resources.

political boundaries that peoplecreate. For instance, a stream’s wa-tershed area often encompasses anumber of municipalities or evencounties and underground aquifersdon’t stop at township lines. Cooperative, multi-municipal planning effortsprovide a logical means of addressing these issues and protecting commu-nity water resources.

Citizen ParticipationOpinion polls and community visioning consistently indicate strong

public support for protecting the environment, saving open space, preserv-ing historic and cultural buildings and landscapes, and keeping water andair clean. Successful planning and growth management however, must havethe active support of local elected officials and citizens alike.

Often the threat of a proposed development provides the catalystthat arouses people to action; unfortunately, once a development proposalreaches a municipality for review, it is often too late to require substantivechanges in the project’s design. Citizens for whom such issues are impor-tant need to be involved early on in shaping long-term planning and landuse strategies and in the election of leaders committed to the same. Ratherthan attempting to protect the environment by challenging each land de-velopment project individually, citizens and officials must work together toidentify resources that are important to the community, then prepare a planand land use regulations that preserve those resources and promote sustain-able development.

Elected officials need tohear constructive input from abroad range of individuals andgroups in order to make toughdecisions about their community’s future. They also need the support andadded level of expertise and person-hours afforded by volunteer planning com-mission members, Environmental Advisory Councils, municipal authorities andthe like. Effective planning cannot happen in a vacuum; it must be a reflectionof community values.

Land Acquisition and Conservation EasementsIn Pennsylvania, it is estimated that we are annually losing three

acres of open land for every one conserved, and the rate of loss is accelerat-ing. In fast-growing areas like Pike County, the demand for land, rising

Effective planning cannot happenin a vacuum; it must be a reflectionof community values.

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Conservation Design PrinciplesConservation Design strategies can play a vital role in accommodatinggrowth while protecting land and water resources. These strategies canalso assist land developers in meeting regulatory requirements relating toerosion control, water quality protection and stormwater management.These include but are not limited to the following general concepts:Minimize Disturbed Areas

• Plan construction to limit the area of earth disturbance• Keep building and parking areas as compact as possible• Retain and utilize natural site conditions• Maintain buffers along streams and other water resources• Work with existing topography. Fit the project to the site vs.

making the site fit the projectMaintain Natural Hydrologic Cycles

• Maintain the pre-development water budget to the greatestextent possible

• Maintain natural drainage patterns• Control net increases in post-development stormwater

runoff volume• Minimize impervious areas• Provide opportunities for groundwater recharge

Protect Water Quality• Fully evaluate non-discharge alternatives• Utilize low maintenance non-structural stormwater controls• Maintain native vegetation including riparian buffers• Avoid excessive earthmoving• Limit high-maintenance water- and chemical-dependent

landscape areas

land values and rising taxes all combine to increase pressures on landownersto sell or develop land.

There are a variety of options available to private landowners whowish to preserve land; many ofthese strategies also offer tax incen-tives. Some of the most com-monly used techniques include feesimple donation, conservation easement, bargain sale and conservation-based development. For more information on land conservation options,

There are a variety of options avail-able to private landowners whowish to preserve land.

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see Resources for More Information at the end of this chapter.In addition to options available to private landowners, there are op-

portunities for local governments to purchase land for parks, recreation andopen space protection purposes. An example of this is the Pike County Sce-nic Rural Character Preservation Bond. Passed in November 2005 by a ma-jority of Pike County residents this initiative will provide $10 million toconserve drinking water, wildlife habitat, scenic ridges, and critical open space.A portion of the funds could be utilized to support acquisition and manage-ment of conservation easements, parks and forestland.

SummaryDevelopment pressures will continue to present significant challenges

to maintaining the quality of life, including the abundant natural resourcesthat make Pike County a desirable place to live and a sought after destinationfor visitors. Unplanned or poorly planned communities that encourage sprawl-ing development patterns could experience considerable long-term conse-quences including environmental degradation, dwindling open space, frag-mented or stagnant economic development and a loss of community charac-ter.

Smart growth strategies provide an antidote to the negative impactsof sprawl. Comprehensive planning, land use regulations that link develop-ment with sustainable use of natural resources, protection of open space,innovative stormwater management strategies, enlisting the participation ofresidents in community planning, and multi-municipal cooperative effortsare all part of the tool kit of options that smart growth strategies provide.

Action Steps for Implementing Smart Growth Strategies� Support community association and municipal efforts toconserve open space through land acquisition and conserva-tion easements.

� Support municipal initiatives to manage stormwater on aregional or watershed basis through cooperative efforts be-tween neighboring municipalities.

� Get involved in the community planning process. Attendmonthly public municipal meetings or volunteer to serve ona municipal planning board.

� Voice support for municipal efforts to adopt land use regu-lations that support conservation design and low impact de-velopment strategies.

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� Let local officials know you support the creation and imple-mentation of comprehensive plans that provide a blueprintfor community development.

Resources for More InformationDelaware Highlands Conservancy. A local, non-profit land trust:www.delawarehighlands.org

Low Impact Development Center: www.lowimpactdevelopment.org

Natural Resources Defense Council:www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/storm/chap12.asp

PA DCNR, Pennsylvania’s Wildlife and Wild Places; Our Outdoor Heritagein Peril: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/pawildlifebook/pawildlife.pdf

Scenic America: http://www.scenic.org/

Sierra Club report: www.sierraclub.org/sprawl/factsheet.asp

Smart Growth America: smartgrowthamerica.org/index.html

Smart Growth Network: www.smartgrowth.org

Sprawl Watch Clearinghouse: www.sprawlwatch.org

Using Conservation Easements to Preserve Open Space: A Guide forPennsylvania’s Municipalities and Land Conservation Strategies, A Guide forLandowners. Publications available at www.heritageconservancy.org/.

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12. Citizen ActionGetting Involved and Making it Happen in Your Communityby John Jose, Watershed Specialist, Pike County Conservation District

“Healthy communities need involved citizens. A civil societydepends on citizen concern and citizen action as its lifeblood.” ~Grassroots Leadership Development W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Pike County is at a crucialpoint in its history. Ever-increas-ing growth pressures will continueto present many challenges. Rapidrates of development raise severalimportant questions about the fu-ture including:

What will Pike County communities look like 10, 15, 20or even five years from now?

Will residents retain the quality of life the County offersincluding the highly valued water resources, the many milesof streams and rivers as well as the abundant lakes and wet-lands, found here?

Will groundwater resources remain abundant and clean andcontinue to meet the needs of residents and businesses?

Will Pike County suffer the fate of so many other areas ofPennsylvania as “sprawling” growth patterns dominate thedevelopment of communities?

The Window of Opportunity is Still OpenDespite these challenges

and unanswered questions, oppor-tunities still exist to address con-tinuing land development pres-sures while conserving the naturalresources that support the qualityof life that Pike County residentsenjoy. While local, state and fed-

Residents, both long-term and thenewly arrived, can make an impor-tant contribution in planning forthe future of Pike County commu-nities.

Citizen groups play an importantrole as a voice for the concerns ofresidents bridging the gap betweenresidents and community associa-tions and municipal, county, stateand even federal government agen-cies.

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eral agencies, the business sector and environmental organizations all have asignificant role to play in charting a course for the future of the County’scommunities, residents – both long-term and the newly arrived – also havean important contribution to make.

Bringing about positive change and making a difference may seemlike a daunting task. But when people as individuals, and as a community,begin to look at what they collectively bring to the process of communityplanning and development, they begin to see that any number of optionsand possibilities exist. Each person brings his or her own unique percep-tions, knowledge and concerns. By coming together to share concerns andvisions for the future, residents can begin to build on the expertise andtalents of the group as a whole.

Where resources are limited, including constraints on time, financesand experience, citizen volunteers can help fill the vacuum and make asignificant contribution to meeting community needs. Citizens groups canalso play an important role as a voice for the concerns of residents, bridgingthe gap between residents and community associations and municipal,county, state and even federal government agencies.

Getting InvolvedListed below are volunteer opportunities for residents interested in

getting involved in the conservation of the natural resources of their com-munity. If you see something that you’d like to get involved in, but that hasnot yet been started, don’t wait for someone else – take the initiative!

Municipal GovernmentPike County is divided

into thirteen local government en-tities – eleven townships and twoboroughs – referred to as munici-palities (Appendix B). Electedmunicipal officials – Township Su-pervisors and Borough Council Members – are empowered by the Pennsyl-vania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) to provide for the protectionof the natural resources of their respective communities. This is accom-plished primarily through adoption of comprehensive plans and land useregulations (zoning laws, subdivision regulations, etc.) that incorporate natu-ral resource protection.

Through participation in the democratic process of local decision-making, firmly rooted in Pennsylvania communities, citizens have the right

Elected officials are empowered bythe Pennsylvania MunicipalitiesPlanning Code to provide for theprotection of the natural resourcesof their respective communities.

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and the ability to influence the decisions that municipal officials make inplanning for the future, including planning and land use decisions thataffect the natural resources of their community. Residents have various op-tions from voting in local elections to attending monthly public meetingsof local officials and Planning Commissions, participating in an Environ-mental Advisory Council or joining a watershed group (see below) that isworking cooperatively with local officials.

Unfortunately, residentsoften do not get involved in theircommunity until a proposed landdevelopment project is announcedand concerns arise over potentialenvironmental impacts. Residentsmay demand that officials stop adevelopment or at least “do some-thing about it.”

However, without the appropriate land use regulations already ineffect, to minimize the environmental impacts of a development, there isoften little public officials can do by the time a proposed project is on thetable. Citizen attempts at protecting community natural resources by tak-ing a reactive, “development-by-development” approach is much less effec-tive than getting involved as soon as possible and staying involved in theoverall community planning and development process, including support-ing and working with local officials to plan for “smart,” environmentallysustainable development of communities (Chapter 11).

Environmental Advisory CouncilsThe role of an Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) is to advise

the planning commission, park and recreation board and elected officials ofa municipality, on issues related to the conservation of the natural resourceswithin the municipality’s borders. EACs are established by enactment of amunicipal ordinance. Once established, municipal officials select residentsto serve on an EAC.

EACs may be tasked with identifying community environmentalproblems and making recommendations, promoting environmental pro-grams or creating an inventory of open, undeveloped lands and sensitivenatural areas in the municipality to prioritize for protection. It is often upto residents of a community to propose to their elected officials that anEAC be established. Residents can offer to volunteer their time on the EAC

Attempting to protect communitynatural resources by taking a reac-tive, “development-by-develop-ment” approach is much less effec-tive than getting involved & stayinginvolved in the overall communityplanning & development process.

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established by the municipality in which they reside. As this publicationgoes to press, Delaware Township is the only Pike County municipalitythat has created an EAC.

Community AssociationsMost Pike County residents live in a residential development repre-

sented by a community association (CA) (also referred to as a propertyowners’ association). The typical CA consists of an elected board of direc-tors and officers, answerable to all community residents.

CAs have the ability to create committees to help residents addressparticular issues and concerns including Environmental Committees taskedwith examining and developing ways of protecting community natural re-sources. Committees, or sub-committees, can also be created to look atspecific natural resource concerns such as stormwater management, watersupply protection, lake management or open space conservation.

Utilizing covenants, codes and restrictions, a CA can also createrules and regulations for natural resource protection including provisionsto address stormwater impacts, provide for groundwater protection as wellas the conservation of community lakes, streams and wetlands.

Citizens of lake-based communities can also participate in waterquality monitoring programs that keep tabs on lake health. The informa-tion collected can be used to support efforts to identify and correct pollu-tion problems affecting a lake.

Pike County Watershed OrganizationsWatershed organizations strive to protect the natural resources, par-

ticularly the water resources, of the watershed they represent. As this publica-tion goes to press, there are four major watershed groups active in Pike County:

• Bushkill Watershed Conservancy• Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District• The Lackawaxen River Conservancy• Twin and Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy

For more information on Pike County watershed groups and howresidents can get involved and lend their support, refer to Chapter 1 andAppendix A.

Additional Conservation Groups Offering Volunteer OpportunitiesListed below are additional agencies and organizations committed

to the conservation of Pike County’s natural resources that offer volunteeropportunities:

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Citizen participation in an educationalworkshop on non-point source pollution

• Alliance to Keep Pike Green• Delaware Highlands Conservancy• The Eagle Institute• Grey Towers National Historic Site• Pocono Environmental Education Center (P.E.E.C.)• Promised Land State Park/Varden Conservation AreaFor more information on these organizations and how residents can

get involved, refer to Appendix D.

SummaryIncreasing growth pressures will continue to present significant chal-

lenges to creating and maintaining economically viable communities whilemaintaining Pike County’s high quality natural resources. However, a win-dow of opportunity still exists forresidents and local officials to act.

An involved and activecitizenry plays an essential role increating communities that reflecttheir shared vision. Residents in-dividually, and collectively as agroup, bring their own unique per-ceptions, knowledge, and concernsto the planning process.

Where resources are lim-ited, including constraints ontime, finances and experience, citi-zen volunteers can help to fill the vacuum and make a significant contribu-tion to meeting community needs. Community volunteers can also providea vital voice for citizen concerns on environmental issues bridging the gapbetween residents and local, state, federal and regional governments, thebusiness sector and non-governmental groups.

Many opportunities exist for citizen involvement including attend-ing public meetings, volunteering for local environmental organizations,getting active in a community association or supporting a local watershedgroup. For anyone who doubts how effective local residents can be in shap-ing the future, recall the words of Margaret Mead:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people canchange the world: indeed it’s the only thing that ever has!”

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Action Steps for Citizen Involvement� Get involved with your community association. Optionsinclude volunteering to serve on a committee, starting a lakemonitoring program and supporting association efforts toprotect community natural resources.

� Let your municipal officials (Appendix B) know yousupport their efforts to enact regulations to managestormwater, protect groundwater, and conserve streams, lakesand wetlands.

� Read local newspapers and attend public meetings tostay up-to-date on what is happening in your community.

� Join and volunteer for a local organization (Appendix A& D) that reflects your concerns and the direction you wantfor your community’s future.

� Voice support to your local municipal officials for theformation of an Environmental Advisory Council and vol-unteer to participate.

Resources for More InformationPA DEP Update, electronic environmental newsletter: www.dep.state.pa.us/newsletter/

Pennsylvania League of Women Voters: http://www.pa.lwv.org

Pennsylvania Environmental Council: www.pecpa.org/index.htm

Pike County web site with links to local municipal sites: www.pikepa.org/

10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania: www.10000friends.org/

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APPENDICES

A. Watershed Organizations in Pike County:Information and Volunteer Opportunities

Bushkill Watershed ConservancyLake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management DistrictThe Lackawaxen River ConservancyTwin and Walker Creek Watershed Conservancy

B. Pike County Municipalities:Contact Information and Public Meeting Schedules

C. Water Conservation at Home

D. Resource Conservation Organizations in Pike County:Information and Volunteer Opportunities

Alliance to Keep Pike GreenDelaware Highlands ConservancyEagle InstituteGrey Towers National Historic SitePocono Environmental Education CenterPromised Land State Park

E. Water Testing

F. Source Water Protection for Community Water Supply Wells

G. Environmental Problems, Complaints and Emergencies:Agency Contact Information

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APPENDIX A:Watershed Organizations in Pike County:Information and Volunteer Opportunities

Bushkill Watershed ConservancyThe Bushkill Watershed Conservancy (BWC) is dedicated to pro-

moting stewardship for the protection and preservation of the high qualityrecreational land and water resources of the Bushkill Creek, Little BushkillCreek and Saw Creek Watersheds. The Conservancy seeks to promote a fo-rum for sharing information on watershed issues, to foster the developmentof local natural resource protection and restoration programs and to encour-age cooperation on all levels of watershed conservation.

BWC hosts educational programs for the general public related toconservation issues in the Northeast Region. BWC accomplishments includea program that established stream signs throughout the watershed and devel-opment of a web site. Future plans include developing a stream-based waterquality monitoring program. The majority of the Bushkill watershed lies withinthe boundaries of Pike County and includes all or portions of Porter, Lehman,Delaware, Dingman, Greene and Blooming Grove Townships.

Volunteer Opportunities:• Participating in BWC’s water quality monitoring

program• Assisting with membership/volunteer recruitment• Maintaining the BWC web site• Providing educational outreach programs for grade

school to adult audiences• Manning a display and information booth at

community events• Contributing to the BWC newsletter

Contact Information:Bushkill Watershed ConservancyP.O. Box 193 • Bushkill, PA 18324Telephone: 570-226-8220Email: pikecd@pikepa.orgWeb site: www.bushkillwatershed.org/index.htm

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The Lackawaxen River ConservancyThe Lackawaxen River Conservancy (TLRC) is a cohesive group of

local residents who have joined together for a common purpose: the protec-tion of the Lackawaxen River, its wildlife, watershed and natural beauty.Formed in 2001, TLRC strives to promote both community awareness ofthe ecological importance of the Lackawaxen River’s environment and goodstewardship of the natural resources of the Lackawaxen River Watershed forthe benefit of both current and future residents.

TLRC provides a proactive community voice and actively partici-pates as a partner with other organizations, local governments and residentsin regional affairs, legislation, and planning issues that affect the river andits watershed. The Conservancy also works with local municipalities to en-courage planning for sustainable development and conservation of waterresources.

TRLC offers public education programs throughout the year on awide variety of topics. Future plans include establishing a water qualitymonitoring program. The lower, southeastern portion of the LackawaxenRiver Watershed lies within the boundaries of Pike County and includesall, or portions of, Lackawaxen, Blooming Grove, Palmyra and Greene Town-ships.

Volunteer Opportunities:• Organizing TLRC’s public outreach program including

enlisting speakers and advertising events• Manning TLRC informational booths at community

events• Increasing resident participation in the Conservancy

through membership recruitment• Participating in TLRC’s water quality monitoring

program

Contact Information:The Lackawaxen River ConservancyP.O. Box 176 • Rowland, PA 18457Email: info@lackawaxenriver.orgWeb site: www.lackawaxenriver.org

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Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management DistrictThe Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District

(LWWMD) is among the nation’s first watershed organizations. Created in1980 to address declining water quality in Lake Wallenpaupack, LWWMDcontinues today in its mission to protect and restore the lake and its con-tributing watershed.

The LWWMD Board of Directors is comprised of county commis-sioners, township supervisors, conservation district representatives, areabusiness people and interested citizens. Since its inception, LWWMD hasworked with F. X. Browne, Inc. in the analysis and improvement of waterquality of Lake Wallenpaupack.

Accomplishments include creation of an innovative, watershed-based, model stormwater ordinance; obtaining federal and state grant fundingtotaling over one million dollars for water quality analysis and implementa-tion of projects to improve farming practices and reduce soil sediment andnutrient pollution; and development of an award-winning environmentalcurriculum in cooperation with the Wallenpaupack Area School District.

Volunteer Opportunities:The work of the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management Dis-

trict is accomplished by its Board of Directors and the scientists, water qualityspecialists, and engineers, of F.X. Browne, Inc.

Contact Information:Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management DistrictP.O. Box 143 • Hawley, PA 18428Telephone: 570-226-3865Email: LWWMD@ptd.netWeb site: www.wallenpaupackwatershed.org

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Twin and Walker Creeks Watershed ConservancyThe Twin and Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy (TWCWC)

is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a better understandingof the Twin and Walker Creeks Watershed and its ecosystems, and to pro-tecting, restoring and enhancing the watershed through proper manage-ment and watershed stewardship. Organized in 2000, TWCWC currentlyhas a membership of 200 watershed residents.

The Conservancy maintains a water quality monitoring programfor Twin and Walker Lakes, publishes a watershed newsletter and hosts edu-cational programs and workshops for residents and community associa-tions. To better direct its conservation efforts, TWCWC initiated a water-shed assessment which identified priority issues affecting the Twin and WalkerCreeks Watershed. TWCWC is continuing an on-lot sewage system assess-ment and education outreach program. The watershed lies entirely withinthe boundaries of Pike County and includes all or portions of Shohola andDingman Townships.

Volunteer Opportunities:• Collecting water samples as a part of the Conservancy’s

water quality monitoring program on both the Twinand Walker Lakes

• Participating in TWCWC’s ongoing on-lot sewagesystem assessment and education program

Contact Information:Twin and Walker Creeks Watershed ConservancyPeter Wulfhorst, President • 100 Walker Lake RoadShohola, PA 18458Telephone: 570-296-3400Email: Ptw3@psu.eduWeb site: www.twcwc.com

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APPENDIX B:Pike County Municipalities Contact Informationand Public Meeting Schedules

Blooming Grove Township SupervisorsMs. Jo-Anna Donahue, Secretary/Treasurer488 Route 739 • Blooming Grove, PA 18428-9039Phone: (570) 775-6461 • Fax: (570) 775-9322Email: joanna.donahue@bloominggrovetownship.comWeb site: www.bloominggrovetownship.comS - 1st & 3rd Mon @ 7:00 pm • PC - 2nd Wed at 6:00 pmOffice Hours: M-F 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Delaware Township SupervisorsMs. Ileana Hernandez, Secretary/Treasurer116 Wilson Hill Road • Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328Phone: (570) 828-2347 • Fax: (570) 828-8705Email: dtbos@ptd.netS - 2nd & 4th Wed. @ 7:30 pm • PC - 1st & 3rd Wed @ 7:30 pmOffice Hours: M-F 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Dingman Township SupervisorsMrs. Karen Kleist, Secretary/Treasurer118 Fisher Lane • Milford, PA 18337Phone: (570) 296-8455 • Fax: (570) 296-2150Web site: www.dingmantownship.orgS - 1st & 3rd Tues @ 7:30 pm • PC - 4th Wed @ 7:30 pm and2nd Wed workshop sessionOffice Hours: M-F 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Greene Township SupervisorsMrs. Linda Kramer, SecretaryP.O. Box 243 • Greentown, PA 18426Phone: (570) 676-9325 • Fax: (570) 676-9867S - 1st Wed @ 7:00 pm • PC - 2nd Wed @ 7:00 pmOffice Hours: M-W-F 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Abbreviations:ARB – Architectural Review Board meeting BC – Borough Council meetingPC – Planning Commission meeting S – Supervisor meeting

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Lackawaxen Township SupervisorsMrs. Shawn Roe, SecretaryP.O. Box 205 • Lackawaxen, PA 18435Phone: (570) 685-7288 • Fax: (570) 685-2550Email: township@ltis.netWeb site: www.lackawaxen.orgS - 3rd Wed @ 6:30 pm • PC - 1st Wed @ 7:00 pmOffice Hours: M-F 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Lehman Township SupervisorsMr. Robert Rohner, SecretaryRR #4 Box 4000 • Bushkill, PA 18324Phone: (570) 588-9365 • Fax: (570) 588-1864Email: lehmanpk@ptd.netWeb site: www.lehmantownship.comS - 1st & 3rd Thurs @ 7:30 pm • PC - 2nd Thurs @ 7:00 pmOffice Hours: M-F 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Matamoras Borough CouncilMrs. Nancy Buchanan, SecretaryP.O. Box 207 • Matamoras, PA 18336Phone: (570) 491-2771 • Fax: (570) 491-2090Email: mataboro@optonline.netBC - 1st Tues @ 7:30 pm • PC - 3rd Tues @ 7:00 pmOffice Hours: T-W-TH 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Milford Borough CouncilMs. Lizanne Samuelson, Secretary111 West Catherine Street • Milford, PA 18337Phone: (570) 296-7140 • (570) 296-4255 zoning officeFax: (570) 296-6877BC - 1st Mon @ 7:30 pm, PC - 2nd Mon @ 7:30 pmARB - 3rd Mon @ 7:30 pmOffice Hours: M-W-TH-F 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

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Milford Township SupervisorsMrs. Viola Canouse, SecretaryP.O. Box 366 • Milford, PA 18337Phone: (570) 296-5540 • Fax: (570) 409-8348Email: milfrdtp@ptd.netS - 1st & 3rd Mon @ 7:00 pm • PC - 4th Tues @ 7:00 pmOffice Hours: M-TU-TH-F 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Palmyra Township SupervisorsMrs. Jo-Ann Rose, SecretaryHCR Box 15C • Paupack, PA 18451Phone: (570) 226-2230 • Fax: (570) 226-2936Email: palpikea@ptd.netS - 1st & 3rd Tues @ 7:30 pm • PC - 2nd Tues @ 7:30 pmOffice Hours: M-TH 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Porter Township SupervisorsMs. Theresa Rome, SecretaryHC 12 Box 461, Rt. 402 • Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328Phone: (570) 775-7737 • Fax: (570) 775-7734Email: portertw@ptd.netS - 1st Mon @ 6:00 pm • PC - 1st Mon @ 5:00 pmOffice Hours: Call for appointment

Shohola Township SupervisorsMrs. Nelia Wall, Secretary/Treasurer159 Twin Lakes Road • Shohola, PA 18458Phone: (570) 559-7394 • Fax: (570) 559-7523Email: shohtwp@ptd.netS - 2nd Thurs @ 7:30 pm • PC - 3rd Thurs @ 7:30 pmOffice Hours: M-F 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

Westfall Township SupervisorsMrs. Lisa Green, SecretaryP.O. Box 247 • Matamoras, PA 18336Phone: (570) 491-4065 • Fax: (570) 491-6353Email: westfallsec@optonline.netS -1st Tues @ 7:00 pm • PC - 4th Tues @ 7:00 pm and2nd Thurs 7:00 pm workshopOffice Hours: M-F 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

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APPENDIX C:Water Conservation at Home(Adapted from the PA DEP fact sheet, “Drop by Drop: Use Water Wisely”)

Pike County’s groundwater supplies generally meet the water de-mands of residents and businesses. However, with rising levels of residentialand commercial development, recurring drought conditions and increasinghuman demand, water conservation measures, practiced by businesses andresidents, become increasingly important.

While the water withdrawn by an individual household well maynot seem significant, many wells in the same watershed can have a cumula-tive effect. In addition to the potential impacts on residents and businesses,over withdrawal of groundwater also affects surface waters (streams, rivers,wetlands and lakes). Of particular concern are the many miles of streamsdraining Pike County watersheds. Over the course of a year, groundwater,flowing up from beneath the surface, supplies up to 80% of the water flow-ing through many of these streams and during dryer, hotter periods, 100%of the water flowing through many streams is supplied by Pike County’sgroundwater resources.

Saving water at home also saves money. Residents on communitywater supplies that are charged a fee for water they use can lower their waterbills. And any resident, whether on their own private well or a communitywell, can save money over the short-term by reducing energy costs, and overthe long-term by lessening the wear-and-tear on water-using appliances (dish-washers, washing machines and water heaters) and extending the life of on-lot sewage treatment systems.

The primary water-saving options available to residents include:• Installing low flow plumbing fixtures• Purchasing water saving appliances• Checking for household leaks• Changing water use habits

Low Flow Plumbing FixturesWater saving plumbing fixtures and appliances are cost effective,

providing short and long term economic advantages. Low-flow toilets,showerheads and faucet aerators save valuable water and energy used toheat water without requiring a change in personal use habits.

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Bathroom• If your present toilet was manufactured before 1994,

consider placing a plastic gallon container in thetoilet tank to save water with each flush. (Toiletsmanufactured since 1994 are designed to use less water).

• Install low flow showerheads and faucets that useno more than 2.5 gallons per minute at maximum flow.

Kitchen/Laundry• Replace a top loading clothes washer with a front loading

unit that uses about 30% less water and 40-50 % lessenergy.

• Operate a clothes washer or dishwasher only when fullyloaded.

• Set the proper water level and load size selection on clotheswashers according to the amount of laundry being washed.

• Install low flow aerators on all faucets.

Repair Leaks• Fix leaky faucets and connections. Hot water leaks waste

water, energy and money.• A leak inside a toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water

a day. Toilet leaks can be detected by adding a few dropsof food dye to water in the toilet tank. If the colored wa-ter appears in the bowl, the tank is leaking.

Changing Water Use HabitsIn addition to installing low flow plumbing fixtures, purchasing

water saving appliances and repairing leaks, water use can be reduced bychanging your water use habits inside and outside the home.

Water Saving Tips Inside the Home• Turn the faucet off while brushing teeth and use a glass of

water for rinsing.• When shaving, use a sink filled with rinse water instead

of letting the faucet run.• Take short showers instead of baths and consider bathing

small children together.• If the shower has a single hand control or shut-off valve,

turn off while soaping or shampooing (some low flowshower heads offer a convenient shut-off valve for easily

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turning a shower off and back on again without needingto adjust water temperature).

• Keep a container of water for drinking in the refrigeratorinstead of letting a faucet run until cold water flows.

• Rinse vegetables in the sink with the drain closed or in apan of water and use leftover water for plants.

• If you wash dishes by hand, do not let the faucet run forrinsing. Instead, use a dish rack and spray device to rinsethem. If you have two sinks, fill one with rinse water.

Water Saving Tips Outside the Home• Use a broom, instead of a hose or power sprayer, to clean

driveways, steps and sidewalks.• Wash the car with water from a bucket. If a hose is used,

control the flow with an automatic shut-off nozzle.• Water the lawn only when needed. Grass that grows little

or goes dormant during dry periods will generally reboundwhen rain returns.

• Water the lawn or garden during the coolest parts of theday in early morning or early evening. Avoid wateringon windy days.

• Set sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only and notstreets, driveways or sidewalks.

• Reduce the water use in the garden by 20 to 50 percentby using soaker hoses and drip or trickle irrigationsystems. These systems also save time that wouldotherwise be spent watering.

• Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants to reduceloss of water from soils and to cut down on weed growth.

• In landscaping, use native plants that require less careand water.

• When not in use, cover swimming pools to preventevaporation.

• Adjust lawn mowers to a higher setting to providenatural ground shade and to promote waterretention by soil.

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APPENDIX D:Resource Conservation Organizations in Pike County:Information and Volunteer Opportunities

Alliance to Keep Pike GreenThe Alliance to Keep Pike Green is a coalition of conservationists,

business people, builders, landowners, local officials and community resi-dents who are committed to preserving Pike County’s high quality of lifethrough effective, long-term planning and active conservation. The goal ofthe Alliance is to find balanced solutions to the population pressures thatare threatening the high quality water resources, the forested landscapesand rural way of life that make Pike County unique.

The Alliance recognizes the importance of and supports residentsin publicly expressing their support for wise and balanced planning – throughSmart Growth strategies – that strives to accommodate increasing levels ofcommercial and residential development while conserving Pike County’shighly valued natural resources.

Volunteer Opportunities:• Staffing a booth at events, answering questions and

handing out flyers on upcoming programs• Hosting a meeting with neighbors or with a

community group• Providing general office support, scheduling meetings,

stuffing envelopes for mailings and sending emailnotifications

• Writing articles on innovative growth and landdevelopment options

• Making updates to the Alliance website

Contact information:Alliance to Keep Pike GreenP.O. Box 218 • Hawley, PA 18428Telephone: 570-226-3164Email: info@keeppikegreen.orgWeb site: www.keeppikegreen.org

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Delaware Highlands ConservancyThe Delaware Highlands Conservancy is dedicated to conserving

the natural and cultural heritage of the Upper Delaware River region. Sinceits creation in 1994, the Conservancy has helped to protect over 5,500 acresof land providing ecological, recreational and economic benefit to residentsof the region. The majority of land conserved through the Conservancy’sefforts is protected through land preservation agreements between land-owners and the Conservancy.

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy provides technical and, whenavailable, financial assistance to landowners interested in protecting all or aportion of their property. In addition to working with individual landown-ers, the Conservancy runs a variety of educational events from environmen-tal education programs for children to workshops for adults on protectingthe land and water resources of their communities.

Volunteer Opportunities:• Supporting the Conservancy’s public relations and out-

reach by promoting and organizing education programsand outings and fundraising events

• Conducting field work on protected properties to col-lect information on existing cultural and natural resources

• Participating in annual field monitoring of protected sites• Assisting with the annual Meadow Party• Staffing informational displays at public events• Crafting grant proposals to generate funding to support

the Conservancy’s activities• Contributing to the Conservancy’s quarterly newsletter

including writing articles• Providing office support including preparing mailings and

website updates

Contact Information:Delaware Highlands ConservancyP.O. Box 218 • Hawley, PA 18428Tel 570-226-3164Email: info@delawarehighlands.orgWeb site: www.delawarehighlands.org

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The Eagle InstituteThe Eagle Institute is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated

to protecting the bald eagle in the Upper Delaware River watershed in NewYork and Pennsylvania and the lower Hudson River Valley of New York. Toachieve this, the Institute promotes a stewardship ethic for bald eagle con-servation through education, research and public awareness programs.

During the winter months, when approximately150 eagles migrateto the region, the Institute assists visitors to find, identify and view baldeagles by posting volunteers at public viewing locations and providing guidedeagle viewing trips. The Institute is also involved in the collection of scien-tific data on both the wintering and, in recent years, the growing breedingpopulation of bald eagles in the region.

Volunteer Opportunities:• Assisting at public events and programs, including the

annual EagleFest• Collecting data and monitoring habitat conditions• Locating and identifying eagles• Assisting visitors and answering questions about eagles

and their habitat needs• Providing clerical and administrative help including

mailings and publicity• Staffing the Institute’s winter field office in Lackawaxen, PA

Contact Information:The Eagle InstituteP.O. Box 182 • Barryville, NY, 12719Telephone: 570-685-5960or 845-557-6162Email: eagleinstitute@yahoo.comWeb site: www.eagleinstitute.org

Grey Towers National Historic SiteGrey Towers National Historic Site is the ancestral home of the emi-

nent conservationist Gifford Pinchot, first chief of the U.S. Forest Serviceand former two-term governor of Pennsylvania. The Grey Towers mission isto perpetuate the Pinchot conservation legacy.

The stone mansion and manicured gardens of the 100 acre estate are

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managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Public interpretive tours and conserva-tion education programs are available for school students, educators and visi-tors. Grey Towers also maintains a heritage resource program and functionsas an active conference center for conservation and natural resource issues.

Volunteer Opportunities:• Working with the Grey Towers horticulture team on

maintaining garden areas• Assisting the trails team with pedestrian trail upkeep• Participating in conservation education youth programs• Assisting with cultural events• Supporting curatorial staff with historical research• Providing guided tours

Contact Information:Grey Towers National Historic SiteP.O. Box 188 • Milford, PA, 18337Telephone: 570-296-9630Email: greytowers@fs.fed.usWeb site: www.fs.fed.us/gt

Pocono Environmental Education CenterThe Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) strives to en-

hance environmental awareness, knowledge and appreciation through hands-onexperience in a natural outdoor classroom. PEEC provides educational and recre-ational programs on a year-round basis to a widespread audience of school stu-dents, educators, families, scout and youth groups, individuals and local commu-nity members throughout the region.

PEEC uses a one-of-a-kind, 70,000-acre classroom, the Delaware WaterGap National Recreational Area, in which the complexities of nature and naturalsystems are available to every visitor to study. “Volunteers in PEEC” (VIP) sharetheir skills and knowledge in managing the Center’s library, performing clericalduties, maintaining buildings and grounds and leading programs.

Volunteer Opportunities:• Providing general office support including data entry• Assisting with general grounds maintenance• Providing support for special events• Maintaining grounds and trails• Providing instruction and presentations to a

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variety of audiences• Leading interpretive hikes• Assisting at the Center’s library• Helping with mailings and marketing• Patrolling the Center’s trail system

Contact Information:Pocono Environmental Education CenterRR 2 Box 1010 • Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328Telephone: 570-828-2319Email: peec@ptd.netWeb site: www.peec.org

Promised Land State Park and Varden Conservation Area,PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Promised Land State Park provides educational and recreational op-portunities for park visitors and the general public including families andvarious youth and adult groups. Programs focus on fostering an awarenessand understanding of natural, cultural and historical resources found lo-cally and regionally both within and outside of park boundaries.

Volunteer Opportunities:• Staffing the museum located at Promised Land State Park• Assisting with educational programs• Maintaining trails and lake shorelines• Providing educational programs for park visitors• Conducting historical research and surveying of

natural resources• Participating in work parties for annual community events

Contact Information:Jen NaugleEnvironmental Education Specialist/Volunteer CoordinatorPromised Land State Park/Varden Conservation AreaRR 1 Box 96 • Greentown, PA 18426570-676-0567 or 570-676-3428Email: promisedlandenvedsp@state.pa.usWeb site: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/promisedland.aspx

and http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/varden.aspx

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APPENDIX E:Water Testing

In Pennsylvania, protection and maintenance of a private well islargely the responsibility of the homeowner. A private well is typically asafe, dependable source of water if sited wisely and constructed properly.

However, even the best constructed well, placed in an appropriatelocation, is still vulnerable to contamination. The homeowner, interested inlearning more about the quality of their well water, must take the initiativeto have their water tested.

Based on groundwater contaminants that have been detected in resi-dential and community wells in Pike County, listed below are some of themain water quality parameters to consider testing along with suggestionsfor how often to test for them:

Primary Concern:• Total Coliform bacteria. Test annually (see note below).• pH (measures acidity). Test every 3 years.• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). Test every 3 years.

If some or all of the pipes carrying your household drinking waterare made of copper or other metals, test for the following*:• Corrosivity• Copper• Lead (Testing for lead is recommended when metal pipes,

installed prior to 1991, are part of a home’s plumbingsystem).

*Test for these parameters in a new home or when testing a watersupply for the first time. Consider repeating if a change is made to a homewater supply system, such as the installation of a new well or if plastic plumb-ing is replaced with copper pipes.

Note:• If total Coliform bacteria tests positive,

follow-up with a test for E. coli.• Nitrates: Consider testing if you have knowledge of

yourown or a neighbor’s on-lot sewage system mal-functioning, if on-lot systems occur in high densitiesin your community or if there are any small-scalelivestock operations (horses, llamas, goats) in the

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vicinity of your residence, particularly in proximity toyour wellhead.

Secondary Concern: These parameters are related to any observed stains,tastes, odors, etc.

• Iron – test if orange stains or a metallic taste in yourwater is present. Common in this region.

• Manganese – test if black flecks or metallic taste in yourwater is present. Common in this region.

To help ensure accurate results, follow instructions for taking andstoring water samples. PA DEP recommends that residents use a state certi-fied lab to perform testing of samples collected. Check your phone book,visit the DEP website, at www.dep.state.pa.us/labs/ or contact the Conser-vation District for a list of certified labs offering water testing. Residentscan also contact the Conservation District (570-226-8220) or their localPenn State Cooperative Extension office (570-296-3400) for more infor-mation on water testing.

Resources for More InformationPenn State University: www.age.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/f/. Includesfact sheets on water treatment.

Penn State University. Water Tests: What do the Numbers Mean?pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/agrs90.pdf

Wilkes University Drinking Water Testing and Information:www.water-research.net/helpguide.htm

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APPENDIX F:Source Water Protection for CommunityWater Supply Wells

Source Water Protection (SWP) plans are designed to protect com-munity water supplies. A Wellhead Protection (WHP) plan is a specifickind of SWP plan that focuses on protecting the groundwater that suppliesa community water well. WHP plans provide an excellent foundation onwhich Pike County communities can build for long-term groundwater man-agement and protection.

Creating a WHP plan involves the following steps:1. Create a local community-based advisory committee to pro-

vide input and assistance in directing the development of a WHPplan. In addition to community residents, elected officials, wa-ter system operators, watershed organization representatives,emergency management coordinators and conservation districtstaff are all candidates to participate on an advisory committee.

2. Identify the area to be protected by mapping the boundariesof the aquifers or community groundwater supplies found be-neath the earth’s surface. To accomplish this, a professionalhydrogeologist or scientist with expertise in the field of ground-water management and protection is typically employed.

3. Within the mapped area, identify and inventory risks forgroundwater contamination including commercial and indus-trial facilities, stockpiles of road salt, underground storage tanks,small-scale livestock operations, on-lot sewage disposal systems,abandoned wells and transport trucks hauling home heating oiland other potential contaminants on roads that cross over com-munity aquifers.

4. Develop a management and protection program includingrisk management strategies, prioritizing potential sources ofcontamination for action, educating residents and developingemergency response plans including identifying alternative wa-ter sources.

5. Implement your community Wellhead Protection Plan

As a voluntary program, citizen involvement is critical to the suc-cess of the development and implementation of any WHP plan. Residents

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can encourage their community association and the operators of their com-munity water supply to develop a plan.

For any community interested in creating a new WHP plan or build-ing on an existing plan, a community representative can contact the Penn-sylvania Rural Water Association (www.prwa.com/v2/index.asp) at 800-653-PRWA or the PA DEP, Bureau of Watershed Management atwww.depweb.state.pa.us/dep/site/default.asp, select “Water Topics” and“Source Water and Groundwater Protection” or call 717-787-5259.

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Appendix G: Agency Contact Information forEnvironmental Complaints, Problems and Emergencies

Air Pollution – Burning materials(including waste from constructionactivities or demolished buildings)other than household garbage

Air Pollution – Burning householdgarbage

Dumping waste (construction de-bris, furniture, appliances, rubbish,etc.) on land

Dumping waste in surface waters*

Encroachment** on surface watersand floodways

ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIESincluding chemical spills fromtransport trucks, trains and indus-trial facilities

Floodplain disturbance

Groundwater Contamination (in-cluding underground storage tankfailures and pollution of water sup-ply wells)

Complaint, Problem Contactor Emergency

PA DEP Regional ComplaintLine

Municipality (Appendix B)

PA DEP Regional Complaint Lineand Municipality (Appendix B)

PA DEP Regional ComplaintLine and PA Fish & BoatCommission

Pike County ConservationDistrict

PA DEP Regional ComplaintLine

Municipality (Appendix B)

PA DEP Regional ComplaintLine

*Surface water: stream, river, pond, lake, wetland, spring, etc.

**Encroachment: A structure or other activity which changes the course,current or cross section of a watercourse, floodway or other body of water.

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Complaint, Problem Contactor Emergency

Mining/quarrying OperationProblems

Soil Sediment Pollution to surfacewaters from earth disturbance***sites

Recycling Locations

Sewage Problems (private, individualon-lot systems)

Sewage Problems (industrial, com-mercial, & multi-lot systems)

Stormwater Runoff Problems(non-construction related)

Stormwater Runoff related to earthdisturbance

Water pollution: chemical wastes,sewage treatment plant discharge,etc.

Wildlife (Fish, Reptiles, Amphib-ians) – Nuisance Problems or toReport Violations

Wildlife (Mammals or birds) –Nuisance Problems or to ReportViolations

PA DEP Bureau of Mining andReclamation

Pike County ConservationDistrict

Pike County Office of HumanDevelopment

Municipality (Appendix B)

PA DEP Regional Complaint Lineand Municipality (Appendix B)

Municipality (Appendix B)

Pike County ConservationDistrict

PA DEP Regional ComplaintLine and PA Fish & BoatCommission

PA Fish & Boat Commission

PA Game Commission

***Earth disturbance: Construction or other activity that disturbs the sur-face of the land.

Appendix G: Agency Contact Information forEnvironmental Complaints, Problems and Emergencies

Agency Contact Information �

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PA DEP Bureau of Mining and Reclamation (570) 621-3118

PA DEP Regional Complaint Line (866) 255-5158 Ext 2

PA Fish & Boat Commission (570) 477-5717

PA Game Commission (570) 675-1143

Pike County Conservation District (570) 226-8220

Pike County Office of Human Development (570) 296-3434

Agency Contact Information: Telephone Numbers

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– NOTES –

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– NOTES –

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– NOTES –

For Information or Assistance Contact:

Pike County Conservation DistrictHC 8 Box 6770

Hawley, PA 18428Phone:(570) 226-8220

Fax:(570) 226-8222Email: pikecd@pikepa.org

Or visit our website atwww.pikeconservation.org

This project funded by the League of Women Voters of PennsylvaniaCitizen Education Fund through a Section 319 Federal Clean WaterAct grant of the US Environmental Protection Agency administered bythe PA Department of Environmental Protection. Additional fundingprovided by the Delaware Highlands Conservancy.